Day Of The Dead

< p>In honor of Día de los Muertos – or “Day of the Dead” – Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo and Casa Guadalajara are throwing a celebration from October 29-30 for the traditional Mexican holiday that honors friends and family members who have passed on.

Día de los Muertos pays tribute to loved ones through elaborately decorated altars, called “ofrendas,” with treasured items from their lives and traditional elements, such as marigold flowers, candles, water, bread and salt, and their favorite foods and spirits. Throughout the weekend, Casa Guadalajara’s iconic fountains will be turned into altars for guests to enjoy.

In the Bazaar del Mundo Shops, at 4133 Taylor Street, guests can peruse additional Día de los Muertos-themed home decor and collectibles, plus stunning altars and opportunities to participate in free family friendly activities including sugar skull decorating.

Guests will delight in performances from Casa Guadalajara’s world-class mariachi band – all in painted skeleton faces. Photo opportunities with a life-size Catrina (a female skeleton figure donning a Mexican folkloric dress and hat) sitting in an 1800s carriage will also be available.

The festivities begin on Saturday with the Old Town Altar Walk. Beginning at Bazaar del Mundo and Casa Guadalajara, maps will be given out for a walking tour throughout Old Town to view beautifully decorated altars. Then, Bazaar del Mundo and Casa Guadalajara’s marketplace and celebration activities will take place Saturday and Sunday. Guests may park for free across the street at Caltrans, or take the trolley.