While this time of the year is often associated with Halloween, many Latin and Hispanic residents of the L.A. area take this time to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Originating from Mexico, this holiday celebrates life, death and serves as a time to remember past loved ones. Across L.A. you can find many events that honor and celebrate this culture and holiday. Here are some of the best ones to attend.
24th Street Theatre’s Dia de los Muertos
Nov. 2, 24th Street Theatre is celebrating their annual Dia de los Muertos block party. The Space Sanchos will be headlining the event and Mariachi Calilajara will also be performing. There will also be live dancers like Huitzilopochtli and Sol de Fuego. Carnival games, authentic Latin food and decorative altars will also be featured.
OPAC’s Day of the Dead
The Oxnard Performing Arts Center pays homage to the holiday every year. On Nov. 4, OPAC will once again host a Day of the Dead celebration with art exhibitions, altars made by attendees and special guests, guest speakers from the community, music and folklorico dance, food and drinks, crafts and other hands-on activities.
Elysian Heights Arts Magnet’s Dia de los Muertos and Fall Harvest
On Oct. 28 in Elysian Park and Echo Park neighborhoods, there is another community event to celebrate the holiday. Being dedicated to the arts, Elysian Heights Arts Magnet puts on live performances, art displays, authentic food and festive decorations for Dia de los Muertos. The Fall Harvest will include games and prizes, a haunted maze, arts and crafts.
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Dia de los Muertos
The 12th annual Downtown Dia de los Muertos is running from Oct. 21 – Nov. 2. The 19 altars created by professional artists and local organizations will fill the park to allow residents and visitors to pay their respect. The 20th altar will be made by the community to honor the victims of the Monterey Park shooting and Maui’s wildfires.
San Pedro’s Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival
Discover San Pedro is hosting their 11th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on Oct. 22. There will be live musical and dance performances from MariachiDivas de Cindy Shea, Mariachi Divas, Danza Azteca Xochipilli, Folklorico Nadino de San Pedro and more. Local food and clothing vendors, altar exhibition and competition, arts and crafts will also be a part of the festivities. Attendees are encouraged to come in Dia de los Muertos attire.
5th Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Festival
Nov. 1 is the 5th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Catalina Museum for Art and History. Cultural music and dance performances, art projects for children, tequila tasting for adults, local food vendors, a special raffle and an ofrenda and art contest are the highlights of this free event.
Dia de los Muertos Family Family Celebration
The Los Angeles Central Library is celebrating the Day of the Dead on Oct. 29. with eight different activities. There will be a special presentation from Dr. Gloria Arjona, a screening of “The Day of the Dead” cartoon, photo ops, holiday themed arts and crafts for the family and more. These activities will also been done in English and Spanish.
Dia de los Muertos in Downtown Santa Monica
On Oct. 28, the Promenade will be popping with a Latinx market selling crafts, art, and food, colorful altars, performances from talented locals, and many family and pet-friendly activities. The main draw of the event is the 14-feet sculptures from L.A. artist Ricardo Soltero.
OSMAF Dia de los Muertos Festival
The Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation has been celebrating the holiday for over 35 years. Over time, the celebration has incorporated Aztec, Mayan and Catholic rituals, making it one of the most diverse and authentic experiences. From Oct. 25 – Nov. 2, the festival will have special day and evening entertainment, a community ofrenda display, indigenous rituals and performances, food and beverages, face painting and the “La Danza de la Muerte” play.
Grand Parade Dia de los Muertos and Arte y Ofrendas Festival
Nov. 4, Long Beach is hosting its locally televised Dia de los Muertos parade followed by its Arte y Ofrendas festival. The parade will be full of dancers and music celebrating the culture and holiday, festive floats and many calaveras. The art festival will feature a children’s plaza, face painting, a food market, live music and dance, art exhibits, an Aztec dance blessing and many altares for families.