Living History: Descendants Celebrate Dia de Muertos on Their Ancestors’ Streets in Old Town
By Raquel Perez
The feeling was surreal as the Autum chill made the air crisp, as descendants marched past the Church that had served as a home parish to our Ancestors for generations. The scene was lively, and colorful, as the painted faces and creative costumes roamed around Old Town State Historic Park. The air in the streets filled with the smell of delicious food and warm tortillas. In honor of our Ancestors, we celebrate their memory and gather in the historic streets of Old Town San Diego to commemorate, eat, sip, dance, and even sing. The giant Catrina stood on display in the Fiesta De Reyes courtyard captivating those who came to have a look. The stage was alive with music and dancing to honor the heritage of the holiday.
During the procession, we experienced a magical pride as we waved and smiled at the visitors and community who crowded along the streets. As descendants, we were walking history, as those whose blood and last names date back to the founding of this great city. We could almost feel our forefathers smiling down on us as we marched. The traditional Native dances and drums vibrated through the streets as the scent and sweet smoke of the copal incense followed. It was an experience, and moment in time that I will truly never forget.
The festivities were the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2 as the celebrations, food, dancing, costumes, face painting, and beautifully decorated altars and ofrendas were on full display throughout the State Park and dotted along the street leading to the cemetery, El Campo Santo.
We honored the Descendants of Early San Diego by decorating the cemetery weeks before leading up to the event. The community alter was covered with photos of loved ones. Descendants showcased original artwork on full display in El Campo Santo with handmade paper flowers. A large Calavera was perched over the bulletin board where locals and visitors wrote handwritten messages to loved ones. It truly was a sight to warm the heart as the love and memories of those we lost brought a peace as though they were there standing beside us.
Special thanks to all the visitors to the park for coming to celebrate with us all. To our Ancestors, and loved ones who came before us, we will see you and celebrate your memory next year. Continue to watch over us with eternal love and guidance that lives on in our memories of you.
Category: Events, Historical, Holidays, Local News, Nonprofit
