By Valentina Ochoa
The Latinx community in Los Angeles is huge, and it has been growing over the last few years, especially Mexicans. This is the reason why Day of the Dead is now consolidated in their calendar as a traditional festivity, and many different activities such as Catrina-making competitions, monumental shrines, and costume parades are now available for anyone who wishes to participate in the Mexican holiday. Here are some activities that you don’t want to miss if you’re in Los Angeles:
Communal Day of the Dead Altar
You can now have the possibility to build a communal traditional shrine to remember your loved ones at the Edendale Branch Library, where, on October 22nd, participants will make flowers out of perforated paper and decorate the shrine. On the 29th, participants will decorate the shrine with pictures of their loved ones. You don’t want to miss it!
On October 22 and 29 (2011 W. Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90026)
Carrera de los Muertos
The 5K race will be in honor of Day of the Dead, so you and your family and friends can remember your loved ones who have passed away. The race will be full of fun, music, and art! It starts at Main Street at the “El Pueblo de Los Ángeles” historical monument.
On October 26 (1 Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
From Generation to Generation
The Museum of Latin American Art will host an exposition this year about our different lineages and how we have been shaped by them. It will present the different ways our ancestors have influenced our beliefs, culture, and customs.
Until November 9 (628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90802, United States)
Day of the Dead Novenario Procession on Olvera Street
Olvera Street holds a 9-day festival full of entertainment, altars, workshops for kids, and painted faces. Each night, a colorful and vibrant ceremony is prepared on a stage to remember that Day of the Dead is, in fact, a celebration of life.
From October 25 to November 2
Day of the Dead Dance at Grand Park
The ‘Baile de los Muertos’ at Grand Park is a party where the people who attend dance in honor of their family and friends who have passed away. The park celebrates the tradition with different activities related to this peculiar holiday, where you can admire the different altars and installations whilst dancing to the music.
On November 2 (200 N Grand Ave 90012 Los Ángeles)
Old Pasadena’s ‘Día de Muertos’ Weekend
Old Pasadena’s numerous companies create beautiful altars that you can admire along the way. The weekend also includes a salsa dance party, Catrina makeup, three communal altars, and lots of fun!
From November 1st to November 3rd (Pasadena, CA 91105)
Offerings Night
Self-Help Graphics & Art (SHG) in Grand Park hosts a day workshop that ends by building a huge communal altar. SHG has been associated with Grand Park for the last three years to expand this beautiful tradition of a single communal altar night with the participation of 40 partners, artists, and organizations.
On October 26 (200 N Grand Ave 90012 Los Ángeles)
Day of the Dead Celebration in Pacoima
A two-day festivity is held in Van Nuys, Pacoima, where big parties are hosted to honor this most important of Mexican traditions, Day of the Dead. The parties present Latin artists, delicious food, a Catrina contest, and many traditional products. This free event is only available in Los Angeles, so you don’t want to miss it!
On November 2 (PACOIMA CITY HALL 13520 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA)
20th Annual Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
This year, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery will host a Monarch butterfly-themed festivity, highlighting the culture of Michoacán, the Monarch’s winter home. This state is one of the two cultural centers in Mexico where Day of the Dead traditions have been celebrated for the longest time, and its parties are full of vibrant festivities.
On November 2 (6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038)