La Vista Memorial Park is celebrating the dead at its seventh annual Dia de Los Muertos community event.
The free two-day event takes place at its 40-acre hillside cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 1, from noon to 10 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 3191 Orange St. in National City.
Day one features a jam-packed day of festivities and activities including a performance from Mexican recording artist Ana Bárbara, and “America’s Got Talent” winners the Body Poets. The day will feature activities for the kids such as a bull ride and coloring activities. Food trucks will sell food at the event.
The park will also feature an extensive display of altars honoring deceased loved ones. Those creating alters can win a cash prize. There will also be a community alter for those who want to join in and decorate it.
On Monday, attendees will be greeted with the Oscar nominated play “DED!”
“It’s going to be so new and innovative for people who attend,” said Luisa McCarthy, general manager of La Vista Memorial Park.
McCarthy said she’s hosted Dia de Los Muertos events for the past seven years because she feels the community should celebrate it.
“My goal is to preserve history and continue to celebrate cultural traditions,” she said.
McCarthy said she is expecting the biggest turnout in the event’s history with 7,000 to 10,000 attendees.
McCarthy said attendees realize how much La Vista is part of the community with events like Dia de los Muertos.
“They see that we embrace cultural traditions,” she said.
