Growing Encinitas Dia De Los Muertos Event Moves To Bigger Location

ENCINITAS, CA — The popular Encinitas Dia de los Muertos celebration is moving to a new location.

After nearly a decade at the Encinitas Community Center, the growing event will take place this year at the MiraCosta San Elijo campus in Cardiff. Hosted by Encinitas Friends of the Arts, the 10th annual Encinitas Dia de los Muertos on Oct. 29 will give families a chance to honor and remember loved ones who have died.

"We are looking forward to seeing many community members joining us this year to once again celebrate this significant cultural event and unite us in a very timely and meaningful manner," said Naimeh Woodward, founder of Encinitas Friends of the Arts.

Woodward told Patch the nonprofit organization is proud to partner with MiraCosta College for this year's event. MiraCosta College is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that supports the academic and unique needs of the Latino community.

"By offering this event at this beautiful campus in Encinitas in partnership with MiraCosta College, we can expand the programming while continuing to keep this event educational and culturally appropriate and relevant, which has been our mission from the start," Woodward said.

Mano a Mano Foundation program director Beatriz Villarreal will emcee the event, which will begin with a blessing of the Community Ofrenda, a remembrance altar, by Danza Azteca Mission San Luis Rey.

The Community Ofrenda will be on display indoors. Attendees are invited to honor the memory of a loved one by adding a photograph or non-valuable remembrance to the Ofrenda.

The event will also feature food, speakers, ballet folklorico and mariachi performances, and event workshops for face painting, tissue flowers and sugar skulls.

"This year we get to expand our reach and welcome a larger audience, mainly those who may not have had the opportunity to be on a college campus," Woodward said. "MiraCosta campus allows us to offer our 90-plus young volunteers who come each year to help us with this event to see the campus and perhaps find themselves taking classes there in the near future."

Encinitas Dia de los Muertos will also include a community project led by Art Miles founder Joanne Tawfilis. A drawing by Tawfilis will be on display and attendees can participate by adding colors. Day of the Dead artwork by Oak Crest Middle School students will also be showcased.

Other activities include a low rider car show by the Callejeros de Encinitas Car Club, artist demonstrations, opportunity drawings and vendors.

"It was important for us to welcome families to participate in a very safe, spacious and relaxed setting while keeping the event authentic and engaging all free of charge," Woodward said. "MiraCosta College San Elijo campus offers all this and more."

Encinitas Dia de los Muertos will take place from 12-4 p.m. Oct. 29 at the MiraCosta San Elijo campus at 3333 Manchester Ave. in Cardiff.