Sunday, November 1
VIP Cocktail Reception: 5:00pm
General Admission: 6:30pm

Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130

Join us for the most exclusive Día de Muertos Gala in the United States—an extraordinary evening where world-renowned chefs, Mexican culture, and philanthropy come together in one unforgettable celebration.

As we gather for the fourth annual Día de Muertos Gala at the majestic Fairmont Grand Del Mar, we celebrate one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions—a vibrant tribute to life, remembrance, family, and the enduring bonds that transcend generations.

Recognized as the official kickoff to the San Diego Food + Wine Festival, this extraordinary experience brings together distinguished guests, exceptional wines, world-class cuisine, inspiring entertainment, and immersive cultural traditions in one of Southern California’s most iconic luxury destinations.

This year’s Gala proudly honors Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, whose extraordinary humanitarian leadership has transformed disaster relief around the globe. Through the power of food, Chef José Andrés and his team have served millions of fresh meals to communities affected by natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and conflict, demonstrating that a warm meal can provide hope, dignity, and comfort when it is needed most.

Co-Hosts: Maru & Fausto Vargas, Flor Franco, Michelle Lerach, Yolanda Walther-Meade, Charo García Acevedo, Maribel Moreno, and Natalia Merienne.

This year’s culinary experience showcases an extraordinary lineup of internationally acclaimed talent, led by Michelin-starred chefs Javier Plascencia, Roberto Alcocer, Drew Deckman, and Esteban Luis. They are joined by celebrated chefs Bianca Castro, Davin Waite, Jason McLeod, Henry Ñol, Miguel Ángel Guerrero, Ernesto Zamora, traditional cook Lorena López, Sandra Téllez, Javier Caro, Omar Armas, Diego Hernández, Ilean Padilla, Josefina Sánchez, Adrián Villarreal, Tomás Gastélum, David Rocha, and Rob Ruiz, creating an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the richness, diversity, and traditions of Mexican gastronomy.

Set within the breathtaking Fairmont Grand Del Mar, this extraordinary evening benefits Fundación Tijuana Sin Hambre, whose mission is transforming lives across one of the busiest international border regions in the world. Every day, the foundation prepares and delivers 3,500 nutritious meals to 40 shelters, making it possible to provide more than one million meals each year to children, families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

Together with an extraordinary collective of chefs, artists, cultural leaders, philanthropists, and community partners, we invite you to experience an evening where fine dining becomes a celebration of heritage, generosity creates lasting impact, and every detail honors the beauty and spirit of Día de Muertos.