Ballet Folklórico to Perform in Old Town San Diego
The dance company will take the stage on November 1, 2026, during the annual Día de los Muertos celebration.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Dance
Ballet Folklórico San Diego is set to perform at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on November 1, 2026. The performance serves as a highlight of the city's ongoing Día de los Muertos festivities.
Why it matters
The dance performances provide a significant opportunity for the local community to engage with and celebrate the rich history and cultural pride of Mexico. Through traditional choreography and costumes, the troupe connects residents to diverse regional traditions.
The repertoire includes traditional choreography that draws on cultural themes from all 31 states of Mexico and Mexico City. The troupe consistently incorporates mariachi music and authentic costume work into their scheduled performances.
The players
Nadia Arambula
She is the founder of the Ballet Folklórico San Diego and a dance instructor at the University of San Diego.
Ballet Folklórico San Diego
This dance troupe performs traditional Mexican choreography and serves to preserve cultural heritage in the region.
The details
Founded by Nadia Arambula, the dance company showcases cultural narratives from across Mexico. The celebration in Old Town features various altars and art stations for attendees to explore alongside the live dance performances.
Timeline
Arambula emigrated to California in 1999.
Arambula returned to San Diego in 2008.
The youth education program Ballet Folklórico de San Dieguito was established in 2014.
The Ballet Folklórico San Diego performance is scheduled for November 1, 2026.
The Día de los Muertos celebration concludes on November 2, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This performance follows a pattern set by the Día de los Muertos traditional cultural observance to highlight Mexican cultural heritage. It reflects a growing trend of integrating regional folk arts into local historic site programming to engage diverse audiences.
Attendees can view the performance at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park as part of the broader holiday events. The festivities include a public candlelit procession beginning at 6 p.m. to mark the occasion.
The takeaway
Engaging with traditional dance offers a tangible way to connect with ancestral history and regional Mexican artistry. Residents are encouraged to arrive early at the historic park to secure viewing spots for the dance and procession.
Further reading
Discover more about local performances on our Dance page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
