Experience Día de los Muertos where tradition, community, and celebration come together. Venture into Tecate for Fundación La Puerta’s beloved festival at Parque del Profesor, where more than 24 years of tradition come to life through spectacular altars, colorful alebrijes, and live performances. Back at The Ranch, deepen your connection to this meaningful Mexican tradition through cultural programming, face painting, festive gatherings, and a Día de los Muertos-inspired Chef’s Table dinner with guest chef Virginia Willis. It’s a week to celebrate life, honor those who came before us, and experience the vibrant heart and soul of our Tecate community.
- Join a special Ranch outing to Fundación La Puerta’s Día de Muertos Festival at Parque del Profesor on October 31. Explore more than 24 years of Tecate tradition through spectacular community altars, colorful alebrijes, and live performances.
- Continue the celebration at The Ranch with a traditional altar, face painting, festive gatherings, and cultural programming.
- Savor a Día de los Muertos-inspired Chef’s Table dinner with guest chef Virginia Willis at La Cocina Que Canta.
- Learn about the stories, symbolism, and customs that make Día de los Muertos one of Mexico’s most beloved traditions.
- Celebrate Día de los Muertos at The Ranch on November 1 with an altar, face painting, and festivities.
Fundación La Puerta & Día de los Muertos
Fundación La Puerta is a nonprofit organization founded by the Szekely family, the founders of Rancho La Puerta, to support the people, culture, and natural environment of Tecate. Working hand in hand with the local community, the Fundación creates educational, cultural, and environmental programs that foster a strong sense of place, connection, and pride.
For more than 24 years, the Fundación has brought Día de los Muertos to life at Parque del Profesor, transforming the park into a vibrant gathering place filled with traditional altars, Catrinas and Catrines, brilliant cempasúchil marigolds, colorful alebrijes, music, dance, storytelling, and regional foods. In recognition of its cultural significance, the celebration has been honored as “Invaluable Cultural Heritage of Mexico’s Northern Border,” a distinction presented by the Commission on Border Affairs of the Mexican Congress.
The celebration is a beautiful expression of the Fundación’s year-round mission to preserve local traditions, celebrate Tecate’s cultural heritage, and strengthen community connections. Through the close relationship between Rancho La Puerta and Fundación La Puerta, Ranch guests have a special opportunity to step beyond the gates and experience the traditions, creativity, and warm spirit of the Tecate community.
Kevin M. Sullivan has studied and taught martial arts for over 40 years.
Mark Romero is a globally celebrated Sound and Energy Healer whose transformative work focuses on the profound power of healing through sound frequencies. Recognized as a leading figure in his field, Mark’s journey began when a former top consultant to NASA unearthed the healing potential embedded within his music. From this revelation, 
Conni Ramsey is a movement educator, Pilates teacher, restorative yoga instructor, and health and wellness coach with more than 40 years in the fitness industry and over 30 years teaching Pilates. Conni’s relationship with Rancho La Puerta began in the late 1980s, where she was an integral part of the Pilates program as it came to fruition in the early 1990s. Under the mentorship of Meg Root and through Reebok Body Walk, Conni became an avid walker and walking educator with more than 30 years of experience. She brings a deep understanding of gait, posture, 
Duo Mundi: George & Gulimina
Anya Matanovic is an American soprano praised for her “thrilling vocal color” and compelling stage presence. She has performed leading roles with major opera companies including the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Utah Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, New York City Opera, and the New Israeli Opera. Her signature roles include Mimì in La bohème, Violetta in La traviata, Musetta, Gilda, Gretel, and Pamina. She has also appeared in concert with orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra and Cincinnati Symphony.
Kayleigh Decker, mezzo-soprano, is praised for her “shimmering mezzo-soprano” and a voice of “pure vocal gold.” A superb song interpreter, she has appeared with leading opera companies including Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dallas Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Welsh National Opera, Staatsoper Hamburg, Staatsoper Stuttgart, and Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Her concert appearances include performances with the San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Orchestre de Paris, and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. A former Caramoor Schwab Vocal Rising Star and Ryan Opera Center ensemble member, Decker has performed leading roles in operas by Mozart, Rossini, Handel, and others. Her recent engagements include Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen with Cincinnati Opera and Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Kayleigh Decker),
Efraín Solís is a baritone praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for his “theatrical charisma and musical bravado.” A graduate of the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship, he has performed with leading opera companies including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Dallas Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Opera San José. His roles include Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Escamillo in Carmen, Schaunard in La bohème, and the title role in Don Giovanni. He is also an active recitalist and concert performer.
Cheryl Lin Fielding, the Artistic Director of the Parnassus Society, is acclaimed for her “warm, grand, and rich” pianism (New York Sun). A distinguished pianist, collaborative artist, and concert producer, Cheryl has performed at prestigious venues such as Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, and Tanglewood Music Center. Her international performances include concert tours in Europe, Asia, and South America. As the artistic leader of the Parnassus Society, she curates dynamic programs that elevate both emerging talent and world-class artists, creating powerful musical experiences that unite performers and communities. Cheryl’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists is reflected in her work at Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices, and at UCLA, where she serves as a vocal coach and Continuing Lecturer in the Herb Alpert School of Music.
Dr. Shefali Patel, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in the full spectrum of gynecologic care. In addition to routine gynecological care, she now focuses on providing expert menopause and perimenopause care. She earned her medical degree, and completed her residency from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. Dr. Patel spends many hours a year in continuing medical education to provide the most current medical care. She has been the guest lecturer for many menopause-related events including leading panel discussions for the M factor -Menopause Documentary, The Lodge at Woodloch, and the Bosom Buddies. http://www.drshefalipatel.com; Facebook – Dr Shefali Patel; Instagram – shefalipatelmd, dr_shefalipatel
After thirty years as an award winning interior designer, Bea Pila has evolved into an influential thought leader on a mission to bring authenticity, alignment, and SOUL to interiors. Through her many talents including drafting, space planning, designing furniture, as well as her hobbies of dancing ballet and cooking for her large family, Bea has learned that it truly does not matter “what” we do, it’s “why” we do it, and she is eager to dedicate the rest of her lifetime inspiring others to ask “why,” to fearlessly follow their heart, and to nourish their soul with the answers within.
Michele de la Reza is a celebrated choreographer, performer, and educator, best known as the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Attack Theatre, a nationally recognized dance company known for its bold and physical storytelling. Attack Theatre collaborates with opera, symphonies, museums and theater companies, sharing new interdisciplinary works throughout the US, Europe and Asia. A Juilliard-trained dancer with a Master’s in Developmental Movement, Michele has performed and created work across the U.S., Europe and Asia with New York’s Perks DanceMusicTheatre and Pittsburgh’s Dance Alloy and Attack Theatre. With her partner Peter Kope, she has received numerous accolades, including three Pennsylvania Council on the Arts fellowships and the Hardie Educator of the Year award; and choreographed the Broadway production of “Squonk” at the Helen Hayes Theater.. As a Teaching Professor of Dance at Carnegie Mellon University, Michele brings an inclusive approach to movement that welcomes performers of all backgrounds. Her passion for dance and joy in expression makes her Broadway dance classes a true highlight—inviting participants to experience the thrill of iconic choreography in a relaxed, fun, and empowering environment.
Stephen Neely, PhD is a dynamic educator, author, conductor, and performer who brings a lifetime of musical and theatrical experience to his teaching. He is the Milton and Cynthia Friedman Associate Professor of Music at Carnegie Mellon University, where he directs the Marta Sanchez Dalcroze Training Center and teaches Dalcroze Eurhythmics—a method that uses movement to deepen musical understanding. With over two decades directing opera workshops and choirs, including 23 years at Pittsburgh’s High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and 11 years as Chorusmaster for Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Stephen has a passion for helping people of all levels connect with music through voice and movement. His lively, embodied approach to singing invites participants to feel the joy of Broadway classics from the inside out. A TEDx speaker and author, he shares his work around the world in music, theater, and design education.
Since making her Carnegie Hall debut in 2011, prize-winning pianist Rieko Tsuchida has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Ms. Tsuchida made her professional concerto debut in 2011 performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the California Symphony. She has also performed as a soloist with the Ashdod Symphonic Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, and San Domenico Orchestra. Her many prizes include the SONY USA Foundation Grant in 2016 from the Salon de Virtuosi, YoungArts NFAA Finalist, and 3rd Prize in the IIYM International Piano Competition. She has also been invited to perform at other prestigious festivals and venues such as the Verbier Festival Academy, Salle Gaveau, and more.
Duo Karolina Mikołajczyk & Iwo Jedynecki is one of the most vibrant and innovative chamber ensembles of the current generation of classical musicians. Recognized by artists such as Krzysztof Penderecki and Maxim Vengerov, in 2024 they have been awarded Poland’s most prestigious prize for classical music – the ‘Polityka Passport’ – with duo being praised for its ‘versatility and ability to navigate through diverse musical realms; virtuosity, unbridled imagination, and ingenuity in selecting and creating new repertoire for the distinctive combination of violin and accordion’. This accolade follows a long line of Grand Prix and First Prizes at international music competitions in addition to performances at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Esplanade Concert Hall (Singapore), The Edge Melbourne (Australia), Teatro del Lago (Chile), Guangzhou Opera House (China) and a sell-out debut performance at the Warsaw Philharmonic.
Hailed for his “trademark brilliance, penetrating sound and rich character” (The New YorkTimes), clarinetist Anthony McGill is one of classical music’s most recognizable and brilliantly multifaceted figures. In addition to his dynamic international solo and chamber music career, McGill is Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic—the first African-American principal player in the organization’s history.
From a coal-mining town in western Pennsylvania to the bright lights of Broadway in New York City, Brent Alan Huffman has built a lifestyle and career around music. A Carnegie Mellon University graduate, he led a successful career on Broadway and in domestic and international touring productions, serving as conductor, music director, and/or pianist for Disney’s Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, and Leap of Faith. As a singer, he is heard on the film soundtracks of Disney’s Enchanted, Tangled, and Beauty and the Beast.
Monique Mead is a violinist, educator, and researcher whose work bridges artistic excellence with human thriving. An advocate for the healing power of music, she draws on three decades of international performing experience and a career devoted to using music to connect, heal, and uplift communities.
John Callahan, the Owner/ Operator of Callahan Piano Service since 1975, is a member of the Piano Technicians Guild and received the highest classification of Registered Piano Technician in 1978. Under his guidance, Callahan Piano Service has grown to be the largest piano service organization in the San Francisco Bay Area with over 11,000 customers including numerous churches, recording studios, recital halls, and musicians.
Sohailla Digsby is a registered dietitian, author, and international speaker. She has been a group exercise instructor since she was a teenager. She is a voice of reason – bringing clarity amidst all the nutrition fads and confusing misinformation that abound in the health and fitness space. She partners with fitness professionals to help them launch 8-week challenges that help their clients get the results that workouts alone won’t deliver. Sohailla is the recipient of several awards, including the 2018 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for Augusta University’s Dietetic Internship, 2016 SCW Presenter of the Year Award and the Georgia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Media Award in 2014. She’s a mom of two boys, now 17 and 20, and a 14-year-old diva she adopted from China. She married the fella that asked her to the Senior Prom: though she said no to Prom, they’ve been married for over 25 years.
Keith Macpherson is a Canadian mindfulness coach, speaker, and author who has spent more than two decades empowering individuals through mindfulness-based practices. His work centers on guiding people toward clarity, presence, and meaningful transformation in their personal and professional lives. In 2018, Keith authored the bestselling book Making Sense of Mindfulness: 5 Principles to Integrate Mindfulness Practice into Your Daily Life, offering a practical framework and thoughtful insights for cultivating awareness in everyday living. A certified professional coach (CPCC) and certified leadership coach with The Leadership Circle, Keith works with individuals and organizations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Africa, Dubai, and Great Britain. His authenticity and warmth are reflected in his daily intentions shared on social media, his regular column Keith’s Corner in corporate wellness publications, and his one-on-one and team coaching, workshops, and live lectures. At the heart of all his work is a clear vision: to expand access to mindfulness and support mental well-being on a global scale. Music has been a lifelong parallel path for Keith. A top finalist on the television series Canadian Idol, he gained national recognition for his soulful voice and authentic presence. He is also a founding member of the duo Keith and Renee, whose international touring, album releases, and original songwriting have earned a devoted following. Drawing from this rich musical background, Keith brings together music and reflection in a way that mirrors his mindfulness work—creating experiences that are heartfelt, grounding, and deeply human.
Robert Linkul is the owner of TOA (TrainingTheOlderAdult.com) a personal training studio and online continued education provider for fitness professionals in Shingle Springs, California. Robert is an internationally known continued education provider for fitness professionals with his area of expertise being in resistance training strategies for the Older Adult with physical limitations and/or decreased quality of life. Linkul has his master’s degree in personal training, is the NSCAs 2012 Personal Trainer of the Year award winner, a 2017 NSCA Fellowship inductee, was voted on to the 2021-2024 NSCA Board of Directors (Personal Trainer Position) and is the Director of Education for Fit Body Boot Camp.
Known for her “emotional intensity” (Los Angeles Times), Icelandic cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir moves fluidly between centuries-old repertoire and spontaneous creation. As a soloist, she has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and Iceland Symphony, and appeared at Carnegie Hall, Elbphilharmonie, and Disney Hall. Her recordings include Marrow, a critically acclaimed interpretation of Bach’s six cello suites (“a front runner among recent recordings” — The Arts Desk); Vernacular, a collection of Icelandic works for solo cello; and Quake, a Grammy-nominated concerto by Páll Ragnar Pálsson. A passionate advocate for new music, she has premiered and recorded works by composers including Daníel Bjarnason and Anna Thorvaldsdóttir. Sæunn is the founder of The Music Portal, a virtual concert space for her improvisations, and the creator of Soul Resonance, a 1:1 musical experience inspired by each client’s emotional landscape. She has held faculty positions at the University of Washington and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Artistic Advisor of the Við Djúpið Music Festival as well as the newly appointed Artistic Director of Tertulia, NYC. When not performing, you can find her in her homeland or traveling the world searching for the perfect pain au chocolat.