Día de los Muertos traditions celebrated in San Diego

La Vista Memorial Park in San Diego is preparing for its annual Día de los Muertos celebration, a tradition that has been held at the site for nearly 20 years. The cemetery is being decorated with colorful marigolds, known as cempasúchil, decorative cut-paper banners called papel picado, and various skull and skeleton motifs.

Co-owner Luisa McCarthy, who is originally from Mexico City, noted that the scent of the marigolds is believed to help the spirits of the deceased find their way back home. The holiday, which has ancient Mesoamerican and Aztec roots, is observed on November 1 and November 2. Families often begin preparations weeks in advance by creating altars featuring personal mementos, music, and the favorite foods of their departed loved ones.