The county of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its first virtual Dia de los Muertos festival at www.youtube.com/sdcountyparks from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1.
County marketing and public outreach manager Jessica Geiszler said they typically host a large event at Guajome Ranch House in Vista that draws about 3,000 attendees, but “had to get more creative this year” with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year we’re going to have about two hours of programming featuring 14 cultural dances representing different regions of Mexico collected from past event videos and local dance groups,” Geiszler said.
Because the two-hour program is being aired on YouTube premiere, viewers can chat online and pose questions to the park rangers who are hosting the event, which will be available in Spanish and English.
Geiszler said the silver lining of switching to a virtual format this year is the ability to involve residents who might not normally visit due to transportation issues.
Viewers who want to learn how to construct tissue paper marigolds and papel picado — colorful banners that can be hung up for decoration — may pick up free craft kits ahead of time at Heritage Park in Old Town; Lakeside, Fallbrook or Spring Valley community centers; Rancho Guajome Adobe; San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center; and Sweetwater or waterfront parks.
Geiszler said a movie code will be given out during the presentation for virtual attendees who want to stick around after the Dia de los Muertos event and watch the film “Book of Life” for free online from 4 to 7 p.m.
