Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park hosts a free Día de los Muertos celebration Saturday, Oct. 31. The event features live music, folklórico dancing and a community altar honoring the Carrillo family.

The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic ranch, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, according to the city of Carlsbad. No registration is required.

Ballet Folklórico de Tapatio de San Dieguito performs at 11 a.m. Grupo Bella, a family-friendly musical act, takes the stage at 12:30 p.m. Storytelling runs from 10 a.m. to noon inside the historic hacienda, and face painting is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A traditional ofrenda dedicated to the Carrillo family will anchor the celebration. Visitors can also contribute to a community ofrenda to remember their own loved ones. Arts and crafts stations and festive photo spots round out the activities, according to a city newsroom post.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The ranch's historic adobe hacienda will be decorated for the holiday starting Oct. 28, and the displays will remain through Monday, Nov. 2, the city said. Visitors who cannot attend the Oct. 31 celebration can stop by during regular park hours for a self-guided tour of the decorations.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday observed around Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. Families build ofrendas, altars decorated with flowers, candles, photos and favorite foods, to honor loved ones who have died.

Leo Carrillo acted in nearly 100 films between 1927 and 1950 and co-starred in the television series "The Cisco Kid." He once used the property as a working ranch and vacation retreat, according to Visit Carlsbad. The city has preserved and restored many of the buildings on the 27-acre site.

Additional parking is available at Carrillo Elementary School. Activities may be modified or canceled due to bad weather.

Upcoming community events

  • Saturday, Oct. 31: Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane. Free.
  • Through Monday, Nov. 2: Día de los Muertos decorations and Carrillo family ofrenda on display at Leo Carrillo Ranch during regular park hours.