People march in a procession during Self-Help Graphics' 48th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Octoin Los Angeles, California. Whether it’s among the tombstones, in a traditional Mexican-American neighborhood, or at a cultural institution, here are the six best places in southern California to explore the rituals, flavors and decorations of this ancestral celebration. The annual celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery may be one of the largest and best-known in SoCal - or even the entire country - but there are plenty of other places to honor the dead throughout the Southland and beyond. ![]() Given our proximity to Mexico and our history as Alta California under Mexican rule, we’ve been able to carry on the tradition of flowers and cakes and altars - and, of course, lots of calacas (skeletons) - right here in Southern California. Most of our Día de los Muertos celebrations have managed to retain their reverence for those on the other side, offering items including candy - in this case, usually calaveras (sugar skulls) - as gifts and offerings rather than tricks and treats. Sometime in the 20th century, those two interrelated holidays grew apart, thanks to an over-commercialization of candy and costumes and the Hollywoodification of death and the spirit world as "horror." Find out more here.Halloween shares a common history with the three-day Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead - when we honor and remember our ancestors who have passed. This is Grand Park’s Downtown ninth annual Día de los Muertos celebration, featuring the main community altar created by 2018 NEA National Heritage Fellow Ofelia Esparza. Stroll through Grand Park’s 12-day public art installation with 20 altars made by professional artists and community organizations, starting from October 22 through November 2, 2021. Grand Park’s Downtown Dia De Los Muertos Celebrations Here are some of the best celebrations and displays happening for Dia De Los Muertos in L.A.: 1. The occasion has evolved and is observed in various ways throughout L.A. Their strong scent and color are believed to guide the souls to their shrines where offerings of tamales, chilis, water, tequila and pan de muerto are placed amongst the personal mementos and anecdotes dedicated to those who have passed. This is why Dia de los Muertos decorations feature skulls, also known as calacas and calaveras seen with happy expressions partaking in lively activties.Īround the altars erected, you’ll likely notice a sea of orange or yellow cempasúchil flowers (Marigolds). Thus, it’s a day filled with cheer where the dead are awakened from their eternal slumber to commune with the living to enjoy everything they loved while living. ![]() ![]() How Dia De Los Muertos Is CelebratedĬulturally, death is considered to be just another part of the human experience. the bright ofrendas (artistic shrines consisting of photos, candles, decorations and traditional motifs) begin to appear across the city from October 22. While it’s usually observed on November 1 and 2 ( to align with the minor Catholic holidays All Saints Day and All Souls Day), here in L.A. ![]() The lives of the dearly departed are commemorated with parties, food, processions and colorful displays. It’s a celebration that pays tribute to those who have passed but unlike the typical somber, all-black days of mourning we’re used to, these consist of joyful and vibrant festivities. Dia de los Muertos-the Day of the Dead-is a holiday that dates back to the sixteenth century with ties that can be traced back to the Aztec people of Mexico.
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