Dia de Los Muertos celebrations were in full swing at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Saturday.
Ofrendas or altars popped up across the streets of Old Town as San Diegans honored loved ones lost.
One attendee, Ruth Coawson, created a traveling altar out of children’s school supplies to pay respects to all of the students killed in recent school shootings.
“It’s really a challenge to have to suffer through the school shootings,” Coawson said. “But somehow we have to come out and celebrate their lives, and this is just a way to remember them.”
Many joined in the festivities by dressing up in elaborate and beautiful costumes. One of the most recreated figures was La Catrina, who is an important icon for the Day of the Dead.
Kisai Gonzalez won the costume contest held at the park. She dressed up as La Muerte from the 2014 movie The Book of Life.
“She is the embodiment of death, and I just really enjoyed what she symbolizes,” Gonzalez told NBC 7.
Old Town held celebrations spanning Thursday to Sunday, each day from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The festivities saw a parade, dancers, face painting, and more.
The park estimated around 75,000 people came out to celebrate.
