Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday and celebration of loved ones who have passed away that is observed on Nov. 1 and 2.
During the month of October, people in Mexico and those of Mexican decent create ofrendas, or altars, at homes and businesses with pictures of family and friends who are deceased. The ofrenda typically also has candles, Mexican marigolds (cempasúchil) and their favorite items (offerings) to help people remember and learn about those that have died.
Another traditional offering is pan de muerto, or bread of the dead. It’s a type of Mexican sweet bread that is round with extra dough on top placed like crossbones. The bread is meant to embody and remember the dead.
For those who want to try some pan de muerto, here are a handful of bakeries and local vendors who sell it, and some local events to celebrate the Día De Los Muertos holiday throughout the county.
Where to try pan de muerto
This colorful display of pan de muerto spread is from Hija del Maiz, an independent bakery by owner Araceli Ramirez.
(Courtesy of Araceli Ramirez)
Hija del Maiz: Hija del Maiz owner Araceli Ramirez started her business during the pandemic after she lost her job. She began making Mexican bread for fun. Since then, demand and enjoyment have grown, and now she sells various baked goods like pan de muerto, including vegan options, at pop-up events throughout the county. Her pan de muerto is available at the Little Italy farmers market on Saturdays and at the Hillcrest farmers market on Sundays for $6 through Nov. 5. Hija del Maiz will also be at the Dia de Muertos event in Barrio Logan on Oct. 29 and the Día de los Muertos celebration in Escondido on Nov. 1. Order online at hdelmaiz.com.
La Concha Bakery: For around 15 years, La Concha Bakery in Chula Vista has been creating custom cakes, Mexican pastries, cookies and various breads. This bakery sells pan de muerto in different sizes to share or for individuals starting at $4. It is made daily during October until Nov. 2 and sells out most days, according to staff. 7 a.m. to 7 :30 p.m. everyday. 334 E St., Chula Vista. (619) 427-7147. laconchabakery.com
La Perla Tapatia: One of the places making pan de muerto in North County is La Perla Tapatia in Oceanside. This storefront is like a mini grocery store, selling prepared Mexican food like chile rellenos, drinks and a variety of Mexican pastries. The pan de muerto will be sold about three weeks prior to Día De Los Muertos until Nov. 2. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 1910 Mission Ave., Oceanside. (760) 721-8486.
Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, from Mi Pan Bakery, a family-owned and operated organic micro bakery in San Diego.
(Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Mi Pan Bakery: Family-owned and operated organic micro bakery Mi Pan Bakery is selling three kinds of pan de muerto this Día De Los Muertos season. Alejandro Gomez and his wife Alejandra Ruelas set up shop at the Pacific Beach farmers market on Tuesdays, the Little Italy farmers market on Saturdays and the Chula Vista farmers market on Sundays. The traditional sugar pan de muerto is $7, their pepita praline version is $8 and their stuffed pan de muerto with guava and camote cream is $10. Pan de muerto is available until Nov. 3 and can also be preordered. instagram.com/mipanbakery
Panaderia La Buena: In between Sherman Heights and Grant Hill is a Mexican bakery serving up pastries, breads and pan de muerto for over 10 years. Panaderia La Buena is a mom-and-pop business that makes Día De Los Muertos bread every year from mid October until Nov. 2. This Mexican bakery also sells bread to local restaurants, including the Hotel de Coronado, according to the owner Felipe Enciso. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. 2582 Imperial Ave., San Diego. (619) 696-0611. facebook.com/panaderialabuena
Panchita’s Bakery: One of the more prominent Mexican bakeries (established in 1983) with four locations, including a restaurant in North Park, is Panchita’s Bakery. The Barrio Logan, City Heights and the Golden Hill location are serving pan de muerto, at the time of publication. These locations also serve over 100 breads, cakes and Mexican pastries, including roscas, empanadas, donuts churros and cookies. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. 1879 Logan Ave., San Diego, Barrio Logan. (619) 338-9331. 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. 2519 C St., San Diego, Golden Hill. (619) 232-6662. panchitasbakery.com
Where to celebrate Día de los Muertos
Sherman Heights Community Center: Since 1994, the Sherman Heights Community Center has held various events from mid-October to early November to celebrate and honor loved ones during the days leading up to Día de los Muertos. This year there are five events that culminate with the Día de los Muertos candlelight procession on Nov. 2 from 5 to 10 p.m. 2258 Island Ave, San Diego. (619) 232-5181 shermanheightscc.org
California Center for the Arts, Escondido: Show off artistic skills at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s Día de los Muertos celebration in the museum courtyard on Oct. 27. Contributors can create a personal ofrenda with a Nicho (portable three-dimensional shrine), inspired by actor and writer Macedonio Arteaga and dedicated to Frida Kahlo. This 21 and over ticketed event includes art supplies, admission to the museum and a signature cocktail. 5 to 7 p.m. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $25-35. (760) 839-4138. artcenter.org
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is also hosting its 28th annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 1. This free event includes live music, traditional Mexican dance performances, a calavera catrina contest, a vendor market, food trucks, a lowrider car show, face painting, a Frida Kahlo exhibit and more. 4 to 7 p.m. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $25-35. (760) 839-4138. artcenter.org
Downtown Chula Vista: Downtown Chula Vista will be converted into the city’s third annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 28. Third Avenue will be decorated with Mexican marigold (cempasúchil) flowers, a community altar, live music, dance performances, food, vendors and more. This free event will also feature an animated movie screening of “The Book of Life.” 3 to 8 p.m. 364 Third Ave., Chula Vista. (619) 422-1982. downtownchulavista.com
Greenwood Memorial Park: Greenwood Mortuary and Crematory is inviting the public to its Día de los Muertos event on Oct. 28. There will be a mariachi band, folklorico dancers, a car exhibit, tamales and hot chocolate. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4300 Imperial Ave., San Diego. (619) 404-4592. greenwoodmemorial.com
Barrio Logan: The spirit of the Mexico City‘s floating gardens is the theme for this year’s Barrio Logan Día de Muertos Espiritu de Xochimilco. The all-day free event starts with an opening ceremony from the Danzantes de Calpulli, followed by a lowrider car show and contest, arts and craft activities, a movie screening of “Coco,” traditional Mexican foods, local vendors and musical entertainment throughout the day. Noon to 7 p.m. 2100 block of Logan Avenue to 26th Street where it intersects National Avenue. allforlogan.com
Terra Nova Plaza: Bring your creative side to the Terra Nova Plaza as it hosts its fourth annual Día De Los Muertos altar contest in Chula Vista on Nov. 1. Everyone is invited to this free family-friendly event that will have $1,750 in cash prizes. The event will take place in the parking lot, in front of the CVS. To enter the altar contest, email Cynthia at cgonzalez@newmarkmerrill.com. 7 p.m. 394 E. H St., Chula Vista. (619) 630-6687. terranovaplaza.com
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