Tag: halloween

Funny, scary faces in downtown as Halloween nears!

Scary skulls on mannequins in a Gaslamp shop window. Halloween must be approaching!
Scary skulls on mannequins, gazing out from a Gaslamp shop window. Halloween must be approaching!

I was frightened out of my wits (and amused) this morning during my walk through the Gaslamp Quarter. Halloween must be coming to downtown San Diego!

For Halloween, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have become skeletons in this store window. Does anyone need a costume? Trick or treat!
For Halloween, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have become skeletons in this store window. Does anyone need a costume? Trick or treat!
And here we have some happy scarecrows and a pumpkin. Autumn has come to downtown San Diego!
And here we have some happy scarecrows and a pumpkin. Autumn has come to downtown San Diego!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Alive in memory: one Dia de los Muertos altar.

A traditional Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights summons ancestors and close loved ones who have passed from this world.
A traditional Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights summons ancestors and loved ones who have passed from this world.

I went for a long walk this morning. My feet carried me through Sherman Heights, a neighborhood directly east of downtown San Diego. I was hoping to see some of the community Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altars. These outdoor altars, distributed about a few residential streets, were the focus of yesterday’s popular Sherman Heights Muertos Festival, which I missed.

Heading down 24th Street, I spotted one elaborate altar near the sidewalk and was struck by the rich, heartfelt symbolism.

Loved ones who’ve “passed to the other side” are remembered with reverence on Dia de los Muertos, and their spirits are enticed back among the living. Traditional items featured in the altars can include sugar skulls, samples of the deceased person’s favorite food, pan de muertos (bread with a small human figurine baked inside), seeds, flowers, portraits of the dead, candles, alcohol (to toast the arrival of spirits), and papel picado (decorative perforated paper which represents the fragile nature of life).

I don’t know whose spirits are being summoned by this particular altar. I can tell that precious memories are being kept alive among the living, and that those memories contain whole lifetimes of love.

Powerful symbols of life, love, hope and renewal on display in this colorful outdoor altar.
Powerful symbols of life, love, hope and renewal on display in this colorful outdoor altar.
In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a joyous celebration of the dead. It is an important day in culturally rich San Diego.
In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a joyous celebration of the dead. It is a beloved time in culturally rich San Diego.
A beautiful outdoor Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights. An ordinary family cherishes extraordinary memories.
A beautiful outdoor Dia de los Muertos altar in Sherman Heights. An ordinary family cherishes extraordinary memories.

…

Thanks to all you great folks who visit my fun blog. And thanks for sharing! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Thriller flash mob scares Balboa Park visitors!

Zombies and ghouls gather for a scare at Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
Zombies and ghouls gather for a scare at Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.

At first today’s Balboa Park Halloween Family Day seemed uneventful. A lot of park visitors out enjoying a sunny late October day. What could possibly go wrong?

The San Diego Police could not stop the frightening scene to come. Their skeleton crew was taking a lazy Saturday nap in the park.
The San Diego Police could not stop the frightening scene to come. Their skeleton crew was taking a lazy Saturday nap in the park.
Everything seemed peaceful and normal. A baby stroller headed down El Prado, carrying a sunflower.
Everything seemed peaceful and normal. A baby stroller headed down El Prado, carrying a sunflower.
The San Diego Zoo was showing a two-toed sloth to costumed kids eating candy for Halloween.
The San Diego Zoo was showing a two-toed sloth to costumed kids eating candy for Halloween.
This MTS lady seemed happy and so did the pumpkin behind her. But little did the visitors to Balboa Park know...danger was lurking nearby...
This MTS lady seemed happy and so did the pumpkin behind her. But little did the visitors to Balboa Park know…danger was lurking nearby…
The Doggie Costume Contest in Spanish Village promised to be a fun, tail-wagging affair.
The Doggie Costume Contest in Spanish Village promised to be a fun, tail-wagging affair.
This witch assured me she was a nice witch. Not one of those wicked ones. But I don't know about all those spooky symbols on the sign beside her.
This witch assured me she was a nice witch. Not one of those wicked ones. But I don’t know about all those spooky symbols on the sign beside her.
The glassblowers were making beautiful pumpkins. There's nothing very spooky here, right?
The glassblowers were making beautiful pumpkins. There’s nothing very scary here, right?
Now wait a minute. I see Godzilla strolling near the reflecting pool. Perhaps he emerged from deep waters to wreak havoc on San Diego. I hope not.
Now wait a minute. I see Godzilla strolling near the reflecting pool. Perhaps he emerged from deep waters to wreak havoc on San Diego. I hope not.
More nice pumpkins. These are arranged among pretty flowers and various exotic plants in the Botanical Building.
More nice pumpkins. These are arranged among harmless, pretty flowers and various exotic plants in the Botanical Building.
A lady, with a skull face painting, poses in a beautiful Dia de los Muertos dress. What could possibly go wrong today?
A lady, with a skull face painting, poses in a beautiful Dia de los Muertos dress. What could possibly go wrong today?
Oh, no! Here come the evil clowns! Now we asked for it!
Oh, no! Here come the evil clowns! Now we asked for it!
And now zombies are converging on the Plaza de Panama! One is limping horribly toward an undead bride in a wedding gown!
And now zombies are converging on the Plaza de Panama! One is limping horribly toward an undead bride in a wedding gown!
And now look! A crowd of limp, staggering figures is assembling in the plaza. What are they going to do?
And now look! A crowd of limp, staggering figures is assembling in the plaza. What are they going to do?
They're going to dance! It's Michael Jackson's Thriller!
They’re going to dance! It’s Michael Jackson’s Thriller!

It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark

Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart

You try to scream, but terror takes the sound before you make it

You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes

You’re paralyzed…

A scary flash mob, brought together by the San Diego Civic Dance Association, performs Thriller during Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
A scary flash mob, brought together by the San Diego Civic Dance Association, performs Thriller during Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.

‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night

And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike!

What a bunch of spooky fun! So much fun, they did it again and again!
What a bunch of spooky fun! So much fun, they did it again and again!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of fun doings! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

A pile of scary, ghostly horrors in a city park!

Creepy skulls await visitors near entrance to The Haunted Trail for the approaching Halloween season.
Creepy skulls await visitors near entrance to The Haunted Trail.  Many visitors will scream this coming Halloween season.

Is it nearly Autumn? That means Halloween is quickly approaching! And so are the usual nightmarish horrors!

I saw during a walk through Balboa Park’s west end that The Haunted Trail is under construction. Around Halloween, the annual outdoor “haunted house” scares even the bravest living residents of San Diego. Passing through the dark, ghostly trees at night might be scary enough, but imagine being surrounded by legions of hellish ghouls and flesh-eating zombies!

I conquered my own fear and poked my camera over a fence to record the coming terror…

The Haunted Trail is under construction on the west end of Balboa Park. Workers seem to be just getting started.
The Haunted Trail is under construction on the west end of Balboa Park. Workers seem to be just getting started.
Bloody decapitated heads on pikes will scare thrill-seekers in the dark of night!
Bloody decapitated heads on pikes will scare thrill-seekers in the dark of night!
Various dummies arranged on the leafy ground. Like the undead, they will soon rise!
Various dummies arranged on the leafy ground. Like the undead, they will soon rise!
What would Halloween be without a pumpkin head. And some ghouls, ghosts, specters and whatnot.
What would Halloween be without a pumpkin head? And some ghouls, ghosts, specters and miscellaneous whatnot.
That's one big pile of terribly mangled bodies. It almost looks like what happens during a fumble in football.
That’s one big pile of terribly mangled bodies. It almost looks like what happens during a fumble in football.
I thought one grim reaper was quite enough, thank you.
I thought one grim reaper was quite enough, thank you!
And to top it all off, a good old spooky demon with horns. October must be approaching!
And to top it all off, a good old spooky demon with horns. October must be approaching!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff!  They usually aren’t this scary!  Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Pics from Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.

Family fun and games filled El Prado the weekend before Halloween.
Family-friendly fun and games lined Balboa Park’s El Prado the weekend before Halloween.

So what happened today in Balboa Park? Here are some photos!

Sign explains Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
Sign explains Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
Crowds were huge and many imaginative costumes added to the color.
Crowds were huge and many imaginative costumes added to the color.
House of Pacific Relations had a booth with cool Halloween stuff.
House of Pacific Relations had a booth with cool Halloween stuff.
Street performer is a bronze version of Shakespeare, the Bard!
Street performer is a bronze version of Shakespeare, the Bard!
Masks and other crafts could be worked on by the creatively inclined.
Masks and other crafts could be worked on by the creatively inclined.
Of course, Halloween is all about kids having fun.
Of course, Halloween is all about kids having fun.
Boy emerges from a magical boo-box!
Boy emerges from a magical boo-box!
Guys creating origami courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Guys creating origami courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
One pumpkin is devouring another in a festive nook in Balboa Park!
One pumpkin is devouring another in a festive nook in Balboa Park!
A studio in Spanish Village has skulls, spider and a skeleton hanging around.
A studio in Spanish Village has skulls, spider and a skeleton hanging around.
Fine glasswork in the form of pumpkins created by local artists.
Fine glass in the form of pumpkins created by local artists.
A puppet-dog prepares for the canine costume competition in Spanish Village.
A puppet-dog on strings prepares for the canine costume competition in Spanish Village.
Dog enjoying the festivities in wonderful Balboa Park.
Dog enjoying the festivities in wonderful, colorful Balboa Park.
Yum! Look at this basket of Halloween candy!
Yum! Look at this basket of Halloween candy!
SDSU School of Music and Dance kids perform before Spreckels Organ concert.
SDSU School of Music and Dance kids perform before the Sunday Spreckels Organ concert.
Fiona the Humane Society mastiff hangs out in Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Fiona the Humane Society butterfly mastiff hangs out in Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
The House of Scotland performed today at the International Cottages.
The House of Scotland performed with their booming drum at the International Cottages.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is showing The Polka Dot Ghost.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is showing The Polka Dot Ghost.
The San Diego Dachshund Club’s Hallo-Wiener Picnic was held in Balboa Park.
The San Diego Dachshund Club’s Hallo-Wiener Picnic was held in Balboa Park.
San Diego Air and Space Museum was the scene of the traditional pumpkin drop!
San Diego Air and Space Museum was the scene of the traditional pumpkin drop!
A crowd gathers to watch a pumpkin descend and explode into a million pieces!
A crowd gathers to watch a pumpkin descend and explode into a million pieces!
The pumpkin can't escape gravity. Will it reach terminal velocity.
The pumpkin can’t escape gravity. Will it reach terminal velocity?
Yeah. The pumpkin predictably busted apart to the great delight of kids.
Yeah. It got terminated.  The pumpkin predictably busted apart to the great delight of kids.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Spooky fun Boulevard BOO! Parade thrills kids.

Boy dressed as tin man enjoys Boulevard BOO! Parade in San Diego.
Boy dressed as tin man enjoys Boulevard BOO! Parade in San Diego.

I’ve heard about San Diego’s only Halloween parade for years. Today I checked it out!

The Boulevard BOO! Parade is now ten years old. It takes place every late October on El Cajon Boulevard near College Avenue. The neighborhood, just south of San Diego State University, appears to have really embraced this annual Halloween event!

Hundreds of families turned out to view the fun spectacle. The BOO! Parade is mostly for kids, and many young spectators had trick-or-treat bags and were in costume themselves!

Here are my best pics!

10th annual BOO! Parade took place on El Cajon Boulevard.
10th annual BOO! Parade took place on El Cajon Boulevard.
Two scary zombie kids were seen lurching down the street before the parade began.
Two scary zombie kids were seen lurching down the street before the parade began.
These pirates were being rascally and rambunctious in the parade staging area!
These pirates were being rascally and rambunctious in the parade staging area!
BOO! Parade kicks off a few blocks west of College Avenue in the late morning.
BOO! Parade kicks off a few blocks west of College Avenue in the late morning.

The tall ghostly blue creature is the character Boo!

Super tall Boo is blue, and he seems to blend in with the clouds.
Super tall Boo is blue, and he seems to blend in with the clouds.
Looks like all the regular monsters have shown up for this big Halloween parade!
Looks like all the regular monsters have shown up for this big Halloween parade!
There were a few not-so-scary clowns around, too!
There were a few not-so-scary clowns around, too!
Marine Corps marching band gets things rolling near start of parade.
Marine Corps marching band gets things rolling near start of parade.
One of many creative floats seen during the fun late October parade.
One of many creative floats seen during the fun late October parade.
Two different Ghostbusters cars were in the parade.
Two different Ghostbusters cars were in the parade.
Kids get goodies from a ghostbuster patrolling El Cajon Boulevard.
Kids get goodies from a ghostbuster patrolling El Cajon Boulevard.
Costumed parade participants from San Diego Center for the Blind.
Costumed parade participants from San Diego Center for the Blind.
Here come some smiling SDSU cheerleaders.
Here come some smiling SDSU cheerleaders.
The San Diego State University mascot Aztec Warrior gives a high five!
The San Diego State University mascot Aztec Warrior gives a high five!
Lots of cars in the parade were draped with creepy cobwebs.
Lots of cars in the parade were draped with creepy cobwebs.
Kids marching in the parade wore every sort of cool costume you can imagine!
Kids marching in the parade wore every sort of cool costume you can imagine!
Here comes a long line of classic cars with spooky decorations.
Here comes a long line of classic cars with spooky decorations.
A witch waves to a passing skeleton!
A witch waves to a passing skeleton!
The San Diego Police Department must be hiring guys with evil pumpkin heads!
The San Diego Police Department must be hiring guys with evil pumpkin heads!
One of two pirate ships I saw. This was most definitely very cool.
One of two pirate ships I saw. This was most definitely very cool.
Little zombies do a dance routine!
Little zombies do a dance routine!
Several schools were in the parade and everyone was having a blast.
Several schools were in the parade and everyone was having a blast.
Here come the Shriners in their Halloween-themed mini-cars!
Here come the Shriners in their Halloween-themed mini-cars!
And here come more clowns out of the woodwork.
And here come more clowns out of the woodwork.
The second pirate ship rolls along with some waving beauty queens.
The second pirate ship rolls along with some waving beauty queens.
A beauty queen is wearing a big, golden pharaoh headdress!
A beauty queen is wearing a big, golden pharaoh headdress!
I suppose these young ladies are the queens of Zombieland!
I suppose these young ladies are the queens of Zombieland!
And this beauty queen is dressed up as macaroni and cheese!
And this beauty queen is dressed up as macaroni and cheese!
Looks like the ROTC is recruiting young monsters.
Looks like the ROTC is recruiting young monsters.
Headless parader thrills girls and shocks poor old mom.
Headless parader thrills girls and shocks poor old mom.
A whole lot of fun was enjoyed by thousands today, young and old.
A whole lot of fun was enjoyed by thousands today, young and old.
Utility box on El Cajon Boulevard painted with scenes from BOO! Parade.
Utility box on El Cajon Boulevard painted with scenes from BOO! Parade.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Signs of Halloween in downtown San Diego.

Scarecrow and hay bales at pumpkin patch in San Diego's new waterfront park.
Scarecrow and hay bales at pumpkin patch in San Diego’s new waterfront park.

During my mid-afternoon walk around downtown San Diego today, I was watching for fun Halloween photo opportunities. It’s less than two weeks away!  I had a little bit of luck…

(The above pic was taken after all the pumpkins were snatched up, but lots of families were still about enjoying the pleasant day!)

Spiders on side of Little Italy building wrap a skeleton.
Spiders on side of Little Italy building wrap a skeleton.
Spooky shredded sails of haunted Star of India on Embarcadero.
Spooky shredded sails of haunted Star of India flutter in wind on the Embarcadero.
Gaslamp parties celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead.
Gaslamp parties celebrate Halloween and Mexico’s Day of the Dead.
Alamo Flags at Seaport Village has a smelly witch foot!
Trick or treat?  Alamo Flags at Seaport Village has a smelly witch foot!
Just relaxing on a nice Autumn Sunday by the Seaport Village carousel.
Just relaxing on a nice cool Autumn Sunday by the Seaport Village carousel.
Kid checks out pumpkins and colorful display at Seaport Village.
Kid checks out pumpkins and colorful leafy display at Seaport Village.
Gaslamp banners advertise a monster bash block party.
Gaslamp banners advertise a monster bash block party.
Donut Bar window contains a scary skull-headed server!
Donut Bar window downtown contains a scary skull-headed server!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Ghosts seen rising from graves on Haunted Trail.

One of several huge monsters awaiting visitors to the 2014 Haunted Trail.
One of several huge monsters awaiting visitors to the 2014 Haunted Trail.

Warning! Some of the upcoming pics are pretty darn scary! You’ve been warned!

Runner in Balboa Park passes behind a grinning ghoul!
Runner in Balboa Park passes behind a grinning ghoul!

This morning I was nearly frightened out of my wits. I was taking a nice brisk walk up the west side of Balboa Park, enjoying the fresh air and at peace with the world…when I found myself surrounded! I couldn’t escape from silent ghosts rising from the cold ground all around me!  A catastrophe!  The horror!  I had met my doom!

Oh, thank goodness, I realized at last. It’s just the Haunted Trail. You know, the yearly outdoor “haunted house” that’s extremely popular in San Diego around Halloween.

The spooky attraction, which brings in thousands of thrill-seekers on dark Autumn nights, is under construction once again. It’s larger than ever and looks super spooky. I walked around the perimeter and tried to get a bunch of cool daytime photos for you to enjoy. Here they are…

Black-robed ghosts and grim reapers are rising in the popular Halloween attraction.
Black-robed ghosts and grim reapers are rising in the popular Halloween attraction.
A ghost town in the mournful trees contains many grisly and horrible surprises!
A ghost town in the mournful trees contains many grisly and horrible surprises!
Welcome to Silent Hill, where nightmares rise from a well.
Welcome to Silent Hill, where nightmares rise from a well.
Props on ground behind a school bus filled with Halloween frights.
Props piled on ground behind a school bus filled with Halloween frights.
In late September, the Haunted Trail is a work in progress.
In late September, the Haunted Trail is a work in progress.
Mangled cloth mannequins lie lifeless on dead leaves.
Mangled cloth mannequins lie limp and lifeless on dead leaves.
Artists creating the scary park trail use gallons of paint each year.
Artists creating the scary park trail use gallons of paint each year.
Entrance to Haunted Trail rises again this year, as do many spooky old props.
Entrance to Haunted Trail rises again this year, as do many spooky old props.
Close look at skulls embedded in the castle-like entrance.
Close look at skulls embedded in the castle-like entrance.
Structure made of bones beside a Haunted Trail sign just inside entrance.
Structure made of skeleton bones beside a Haunted Trail sign just inside entrance.
Here's that huge bloody yeti I took a pic of last year, just as frightening as ever!
Here’s that huge bloody yeti I took a pic of last year, just as frightening as ever!
This poor guy has sat in that electric chair for so many years he must have a stiff back.
This poor guy has sat in that electric chair for so many years he must have a stiff back.
Surprise! Another zombie, ghoul or creature waiting to scare some nice visitor.
Surprise! Another zombie, ghoul or creature ready to scare a nice fun-seeking visitor.
This prop lying on the ground is quite eerie and realistic.
This prop lying on the ground is quite eerie and realistic.
A ravenous, hellish hound prowls the perimeter of a vast cemetery.
A ravenous, hellish hound prowls among tombstones in a dark cemetery.
I suppose all the undead have risen from this scary graveyard on the Haunted Trail!
I suppose all the undead have risen from this scary graveyard on the Haunted Trail!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Kids and dogs in costume at Seaport Village.

kids and dogs in costume at seaport village

At Seaport Village yesterday, the Halloween Bash on the Bay brought out legions of costumed kids and their families. Trick or treating, music, food, dancing, crafts and fun were found all over the place.

A colorful costume contest for kids and dogs was held at the central fountain.

kids at seaport village making halloween masks

A mask making station attracted a whole bunch of creative kids.

kids in halloween costumes dance to spooky music

In this photo we see kids dancing and showing off their cool costumes. The fun theme song from Ghostbusters and bubbles from a bubble blower filled the food court as I walked through. Not sure what caused the smoke. Not sure about that blue tarp, either. The Seaport Village carousel twirls in the background.

lots of adults join in halloween fun at seaport village

Even the adults dressed up. Or is that wrestler really Macho Man Randy Savage?

real hot dog poses on a tray

This real life hot dog was a favorite at the costume contest. Everyone wanted to take a pic!

Hundreds of bloody zombies walk through city.

teletubby zombies lead assault on san diego

Here’s another batch of photos from yesterday evening’s cool Zombie Walk. The downtown San Diego event began at Childrens Park and proceeded down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. As it grew dark, the hungry creatures swarmed up Fifth Avenue through the Gaslamp, where the spectacle entertained Saturday night revelers.

Oh my goodness, here they come now! Teletubby zombies lead the frightening assault!

zombies of every description out for a walk

Yikes! There are hundreds of hungry zombies shuffling along! They’re unstoppable! Seeping blood and torn clothing seem to be the main theme.

zombie walk included a werewolf

I hope the humans over in the Gaslamp are ready to take on more than zombies. I see a werewolf!

dilbert is a bloody zombie

Dilbert thought his coworkers were mindless zombies. Then one day Dilbert became one.

another bloody sexy zombie

The walking dead include a bloody Superman. If the Man of Steel couldn’t stop the zombie plague, then I guess there’s no hope.

zombie with an axe looks for a victim

Another zombie with an axe searching for a victim…

walking dead approach san diego's gaslamp

Hoardes of walking dead are now very close to San Diego’s Gaslamp. It’s not going to be pretty.

zombies pass spaghetti factory seeking something tastier

Well, I guess the zombies aren’t hungry for the red sauce served at the Spaghetti Factory. They’re after something else! Bye–gotta run!