Where to celebrate Day of the Dead in Los Angeles October 6, 2024

Where to celebrate Day of the Dead in Los Angeles

BY Usman November 2, 2022

One of our favorite local holidays to observe is the Day of the Dead in Los Angeles. The celebration of the deceased promotes a positive perspective on life after death rather than focusing on poltergeists. Or protracted grieving. Visitors to the Mexican festival, which is customarily observed following Halloween, pay respects at the graves of loved ones, frequently as part of public events. Cultural events involving dance rites and musical performances. And a lot of Malaca (skeleton) costumes are typically held all around the city. Discover some of our favorite Day of the Dead activities and the best Mexican cuisine in town to get a taste of the occasion.

What is the Day of the Dead?

Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead as a time when friends and family gather to honor loved ones who have passed away and to help them on their journey to the afterlife. In addition to building altars (also known as ofrendas) at grave sites, loved ones frequently decorate them with sugar skulls, marigolds, and the deceased’s favorite foods, beverages, and valuables.

When is the Day of the Dead?

The Day of the Dead takes place in Los Angeles from November 1 to November 2, 2022. Many of the events there start a few days before.

Table of Content:

Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
Self-Help Graphics & Art Día de Los Muertos Celebration
Day of the Dead at El Pueblo and Olvera Street
Grand Park Downtown Día de Los Muertos
Día de los Muertos at LA Plaza

Day of the Dead in Los Angeles events

1. Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

Hollywood Forever Cemetery claims to host the largest Day of the Dead celebration in California. And we wouldn’t doubt it. The cemetery grounds are covered with altars, art exhibitions, dance rituals, musical performances, arts and crafts projects, and food vendors (and crowds) aplenty. This year’s theme honors the Mayahuel. The Aztec doffess of fertility and the maguey (agave). But just a heads-up that the ticketed event has again been split into a morning and an evening session, with no crossover between the two.

2. Self-Help Graphics & Art Día de Los Muertos Celebration

This Day of the Dead event has been held at the community center and gallery Self Help Graphics & Art in Boyle Heights for almost fifty years. The festivities start at Mariachi Plaza, where a few theatrical ensembles lead an energizing procession to the adjoining arts center. Where regional food and craft merchants will be present. In the weeks leading up to the festival, keep an eye out for some themed, family-friendly art classes.

4. Grand Park Downtown Día de Los Muertos

Join Grand Park and Self-Help Graphics & Art for a nearly two-week display of the more than a dozen altars built throughout the park. Self-Help Graphics & Art also holds its own Day of the Dead celebration. Although it hasn’t been confirmed. The official start date of the altar displays is set for October 22. This day typically falls around the traditional Noche de Ofrenda event, which is a prayer and honoring rite for the deceased.

5. Día de los Muertos at LA Plaza

During this free Day of the Dead festival at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, you can see a screening of Coco, Aztec dances by Xico Tepic, Mariachi Conservatory music, dance by Ballet Folclorico Princesa Donaji, and Tierra Blanca Arts Center. Be sure to keep an eye out for cuisine from Mamas Tamales and Tacos Too.

Día de los Muertos Events in Los Angeles

Los Muertos 5k 2022
Olvera Street with race start at El Pueblo Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

On Saturday, October 29th, at 8:00 am, everyone is invited to take part in a unique 5K run/walk commemorating Day of the Dead. You may “visit historic Olvera Street and enjoy music throughout the route, magnificent finisher medals, and a post-race Da de los Muertos celebration” at this family-friendly event. Online registration details are available.

Day of the Dead Coloring
Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Library
3900 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062

Teenagers are invited to a special craft time at the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Library on Tuesday, October 25 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. “Relax while colouring designs from the Day of the Dead.”