Day of the Dead is an annual celebration embracing the memories of all those who have passed away with a combination of Aztec rituals, Catholic beliefs and altars made up of offerings in memory of the dead.
It falls on Nov. 1 and 2. And since it’s not about mourning but a celebration, Day of the Dead events usually include music, dancing and food. So to help you celebrate, here are Day of the Dead celebrations in the Southland.
Bowers Museum
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 5
Where: 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana
Cost: Free
Information: bowers.org
People can place photos of loved ones who have passed away on the community altar and listen to live musical performances including Mariachi Anacatlan and dance performances by Relampago del Cielo Grupo Folklorico. There will also be free samples of Mexican hot chocolate and tamales for sale.
City of Moreno Valley Day of the Dead
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Moreno Valley Civic Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick St, Moreno Valley.
Cost: Free
Information: moval.org
Get food and drinks from vendors and the Michelada Garden, then buy goods from local artists and artisans while viewing altar displays at this free annual event. There’s also live music from Mariachi Divas, and Savor: A Tribute to Santana.
Downtown Santa Monica
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Third Street Promenade, 1351 Third St. Promenade, Santa Monica.
Cost: Free
Information: downtownsm.com
The Promenade in downtown Santa Monica will become an outdoor Day of the Dead festival with local performances by groups including Neiya Arts, Ballet Flor de Mayo, Grupo La Rosa, Folklor América and Poco Pocho. There will be colorful community altars and a Latinx pop-up market offering crafts, arts and treats. The larger-than-life La Catrina public art sculptures created by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero will also be on view throughout the Promenade.
Forest Lawn
When: Noon- 3 p.m. at Forest Lawn’s Cypress, Covina Hills, and Glendale locations Oct. 29 and 3:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Cathedral City location
Where: 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, 21300 Via Verde St., Covina, 1712 S Glendale Ave., Glendale and 69855 E, 69855 E Ramon Rd, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
Information: forestlawn.com/all-events
Check out folkloric dance and Mariachi performances, community altars, artwork, food trucks and 6-foot-tall Catrina sculptures at all locations. The Bob Baker Marionette company will have puppet performances at the Covina Hills, Cypress, and Glendale locations.
Grand Park
When: Daily through Nov. 2
Where: 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: grandparkla.org
The downtown L.A. park’s celebration of Day of the Dead started Oct. 21 and goes through Nov. 2. with a display of 19 professional altars and a community altar which honors the victims of gun violence in Monterey Park and those who perished in Maui’s wildfires.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles
Cost: Tickets for daytime event start at $35, tickets for the night event start at $60
Information: ladayofthedead.com
This is a huge celebration that attracts thousands of people to the famous cemetery. The daytime event is for families with a busy Children’s Plaza, more than 150 Aztec dancers and performers on four stages and altars throughout the cemetery. At night it’s more adult oriented with dance music by Bomba Estereo, Nochenegra, a vinyl DJ performance featuring DJ Mar and DJ El Keamo. Come dressed up in Day of the Dead outfits for both events.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
When: Starts at noon, Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: lapca.org
The venue will offer lessons on historical and cultural significance of Day of the Dead traditions plus live music and dance and art workshops.
Laguna Art Museum
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach
Cost: Museum admission is $12 for adults and $9 for students, seniors and military
Information: lagunaartmuseum.org
The Laguna Art Museum is inviting Self Help Graphics & Art to bring the group’s Barrio Mobile Art Studio to teach the art of screen printing. Participants will create handmade stencils with their own designs and silkscreen images onto tote bags in Dia De Los Muertos style.
Long Beach Dia De Los Muertos Parade
When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 4
Where: Downtown Long Beach
Cost: Free
Information: longbeach.gov
Check out floats, cultural performances and music as the parade makes its way down Pine Avenue towards Rainbow Lagoon where it will culminate with an Arte y Ofrendas Festival.
Mercado La Paloma
When: Noon-4:30 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: 3655 Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: mercadolapaloma.com
Celebrate Day of the Dead with Oaxacan singer Maria Reyna plus folklórico dances, altar exhibitions and story booths.
Riverside Day of the Dead
When: 1-10 p.m. Nov. 4
Where: Market Street between University Avenue and 14th Street
Cost: Free
Information: On Instagram at @riversidedayofthedead
Get here early because around 30,000 people are expected to attend the daylong street party along six blocks in downtown Riverside. The free celebration includes a display of altars, live music from several bands performing on two stages plus a car show, a lucha libre ring where wrestlers will battle it out throughout the day.
Self Help Graphics
When: Noon-3pm Oct. 28, and 3-8 p.m. Nov. 4
Where: East Los Angeles County Library, located at 4837 E Third St., Los Angeles for art workshops, Civic Center Park, 4801 E. Third St., Los Angeles for celebration.
Cost: Free
Information: selfhelpgraphics.com
On Oct. 28 Self Help Graphics will offer free Día de los Muertos art workshops where participants will learn about and create traditional crafts to honor the dead. Then on Nov. 4 it’s 50th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at Civic Center Park. Dress up in Día de los Muertos fashion, There will be a mobile procession, altars by local artists and community members, artisan Muertos Marketplace, food by local vendors and live entertainment from the main stage.
