***Carlsbad City Parks & Recreation programs are canceled, postponed, or modified in support of the County of San Diego’s public health order.***

Ofrendas, and Music, and Treats, Oh My!

While we’re unable to gather at the ranch this year for Dia de Los Muertos, we wanted to reminisce on previous events and possibly share ways to have a safe and healthy Dia de Los Muertos at home!

We would love to see any home-made Ofrendas (alters) like those on display at Leo Carrillo’s historic Hacienda. These Ofrendas are built to recognize Leo Carrillo, his wife Edith, and his daughter Antoinette’s time at the Ranch. We found this fantastic site that suggests the best home-made decor from Taste of Home.com! Such beautiful colors and impressive attention to detail reminds us of some of our traditional Spanish-themed wedding celebrations from last year!

At past events, families enjoyed arts and crafts together! A tin art project and a Calavera mask-making activity were huge hits with the kids and a great way to learn about this beautiful holiday together. With some help from an adult, these crafts can be made again at home! Check out this article for tips and tricks on the coolest kid-friendly crafts for Dia de Los Muertos.

Hopefully, these pictures and articles will help inspire us all to celebrate the holiday safely at home!

Be sure to check out the Carlsbad City Library Facebook Page on Nov. 14th for the virtual debut of The Festival of Lanterns: A Night of Reflection!

If you’re curious about the 2021 event schedule for our Ranch, be sure to periodically check The City of Carlsbad Special Events Page!

But, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we thought we’d bring back one of our most festive weddings from last year!

Claudia and Reggie were a DIY decor inspiration.

Their attention to detail left no spot on our Ranch untouched by their heritage. These paper decorations on the ceremony arch were incredible, and the happy couple decorated it themselves!

Each of their tables had adorable miniature pinatas, customized maracas, and hand-planted cacti and succulents as their centerpieces!

We barely recognized our humble Cabana once Claudia’s beautiful paper flowers and Mexican Candy buffet were all displayed!

Are you looking for more pictures of this festive event?

Check out the full gallery on the blog post that we dedicated to them here!

From all of us here at Leo Carrillo Ranch, Happy Cinco de Mayo!