Los Angeles is a city that thrives on diversity, and few celebrations capture this spirit as vividly as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. With roots in Mexican culture, this annual tradition honors the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Far from being a somber occasion, Dia de los Muertos is a joyous celebration of life, filled with vibrant colors, music, food, and community. If you’re in Los Angeles during this special time, you’re in for a treat! The city hosts a variety of events that bring together art, culture, and tradition in ways that are uniquely LA.
Historia: The Rich History of Dia de los Muertos
Before diving into the events, it’s important to understand the significance of Dia de los Muertos. Originating from ancient Mesoamerican cultures, this celebration was initially a month-long observance in the Aztec calendar dedicated to honoring the dead. When the Spanish arrived and introduced Catholicism, the festival was merged with the Christian All Saints and All Souls Day, giving rise to the two-day celebration now traditionally observed on November 1st and 2nd.
Today, Dia de Los Muertos is recognized around the world, but it remains deeply rooted in Mexican traditions. The celebration is characterized by beautifully decorated altars, or ofrendas, that are adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, candles, and photographs of the deceased. The ofrendas are believed to guide the spirits of loved ones back to the world of the living for a brief reunion filled with love, laughter, and memories.
Eventos de los Muertos
Los Angeles, with its large and vibrant Hispanic community, offers a wide variety of Dia de los Muertos events that are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re looking for a traditional experience or something with a modern twist, there’s something for everyone.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Dia de los Muertos Celebration
One of the most iconic Dia de los Muertos events takes place at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This annual celebration is one of the largest in the city and has been drawing thousands of visitors from all over the world for the last 25 years. This event offers a uniquely authentic venue for creative expression and remembrance. Featuring beautifully crafted altars and spiritual shrines that connect ancient customs with modern practices, this festival fosters a profound connection between faith, family, and history.
You can expect to find an incredible array of altars created by local artists and families, each telling its unique story, art exhibits, culinary vendors, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, a children’s stage, and a wonderful, costumed ceremonial procession. This incredible and immersive experience beautifully blends tradition with community and modern-day Los Angeles culture. This event runs from 10 am – midnight. Ticket prices vary depending on when you decide to enter. Bear in mind that getting to the event and parking can be scarier than the gravestones around you, so plan accordingly and let us handle your transportation with an executive car or shuttle for your larger group.
Olvera Street: A Traditional Celebration
For a more traditional experience, head over to Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, this historic area is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and is a hub for Dia de los Muertos activities.
For close to 40 years, the merchants of Olvera Street have hosted this nine-day celebration that includes nightly processions, live music, and dance performances. This event kicks off with a Novenario procession, where participants carry candles and photos of the deceased through the streets, accompanied by prayers and songs. This is followed by a community altar display, where community members are invited to contribute personal photos and offerings to the collective ofrenda. Bring your appetite because this event features delicious, traditional Mexican foods and sweets, like tamales and pan de muerto, as well as artisans selling their handmade crafts.
Gloria Molina Grand Park
Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles offers a contemporary take on Dia de los Muertos with its annual altar and art installation display. The event is free to the public and features a collection of altars created by community members, artists, and local organizations. Each altar is uniquely designed, often incorporating modern elements and themes that reflect current social issues, personal stories, and cultural identity.
What makes this celebration so special is its emphasis on inclusivity. The event encourages participation from all people, highlighting the diverse ways in which different communities honor their ancestors. You’ll find altars dedicated to various causes, from environmental justice to LGBTQ+ rights, making it a space for reflection and solidarity. This event usually runs for around two weeks, ending on Nov 2nd. Check the schedule for opening and closing dates. Parking for this event is all paid parking and fills up fast.
Self-Help Graphics & Art: Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Self Help Graphics & Art, a community arts center in Boyle Heights, has been at the forefront of the Dia de los Muertos celebration in Los Angeles for over 50 years. Their annual event blends art, culture, and activism, offering a platform for local artists to showcase their work while celebrating the holiday’s traditions.
This event’s celebration includes a variety of activities, such as altar installations, face painting, food vendors, and craft workshops. One of the highlights is the community procession, which begins at Mariachi Plaza and makes its way to Self Help Graphics, culminating in a night of performances, music, and dancing. This is a free, all-ages event, featuring exhibitions that explore themes of life, death, and memory. Make sure to check the event calendar for the date and time.
El Fin
Dia de los Muertos in Los Angeles is a celebration of life unlike any other, offering a unique blend of tradition, art, and community. Whichever way you decide to celebrate and explore the cultural roots of Dia de los Muertos, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the magic of this special holiday, so don’t let unpredictable traffic and hard-to-find, expensive parking ruin the fun for you.
Let Xpress Shuttles handle your transportation needs so you can focus on spending quality time with friends and family without the usual pressure and hassle. So let us get you there, ready to immerse yourself in any of LA’s colorful and historic celebrations!