Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. This Mexican holiday commemorates loved ones who have passed away, and it is believed that their spirits return during these two days. Families prepare ofrendas, or altars, in their homes, decorated with candles, pictures of the deceased, their favorite items, decorated skulls and marigold flowers. 

During the holiday, families leave offerings of the deceased’s favorite foods, and many visit their gravesites. The holiday is a time of remembering those who have passed through dancing, celebrating and eating traditional food. 

Many celebrations are being held around Southern California, which allow people to engage in activities tied to Día de los Muertos. Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is hosting a free family festival on Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will have live music, traditional food, arts and crafts, and dancing. Their website states, “Guests are invited to bring a photo for our community ofrenda. Enjoy vibrant performances by Mariachi Anacatlán, Relámpago del Cielo, Los Cuates, Xipe Totec and Joel Aceves.”

In Downtown Santa Monica, a celebration will take place on Oct. 26 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a public art exhibit of papier-mâché sculptures, live performances by various dancers and musicians, arts and crafts, a market featuring Latinx vendors, and a display of community altars. For more information about the event and photos from previous years, please visit https://downtownsm.com/events-calendar/8911/da-de-los-muertos-celebration. 

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, the Gloria Molina Grand Park is hosting celebrations for nine days, from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2. “The park’s free, week-long exhibition of community ofrendas invites reflection, connection, and celebration of loved ones who have passed,” states their website. The park will showcase 19 altars created by artists and local organizations, presenting the theme of “Let Freedom Ring: Honoring our Immigrant Ancestors.” The park will also host live mariachi bands and ballet folklorico dancers. Families can participate in arts activities like card making, face painting, and lantern making. They are also able to leave photos, letters, or mementos in honor of a loved one. Lupita Infante, a Latin-GRAMMY-nominated artist, will also headline the last day’s closing celebration. Official details about times and location can be found on https://grandparkla.org/diadelosmuertos.

Also located in Los Angeles is a perfect event for runners. A 5K marathon will be held on Nov. 1, offering participants a music-filled experience and a post-race celebration tied to Día de los Muertos. Participants can also get their faces painted before the race. If interested, visit https://losmuertos5k.com/#Race-Day-Info to register for the marathon.

These community celebrations tied to Día de los Muertos not only allow individuals to celebrate their cultural heritage and honor their ancestors, but also enable others to engage with and learn about Mexican culture.

Tags: community, Día de los Muertos

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