The annual Day of the Dead celebration returns to give people a chance to joyfully remember of all those who have passed away with altars, music, food and a festive atmosphere.
While it falls on Nov. 1 and 2. there are events going on throughout October and November. And to help you celebrate, here are a dozen Day of the Dead events in the Southland.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
When:10 a.m.-midnight Oct. 26
Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles
Cost: $53.60 and up
Information: ladayofthedead.com
Hollywood Forever’s Día de los Muertos is one of the city’s biggest events so expect to see thousands of people strolling through the cemetery all day. The entertainment includes bands like Los Lobos, ranchera star Pedro Fernandez as well as art exhibitions, processions, Aztec dancers and of course altars.
Long Beach Dia De Los Muertos Parade
When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 2
Where: Downtown Long Beach
Cost: Free
Information: longbeach.gov
A parade will make its way through downtown Long Beach on Pine avenue with floats and cultural performances ending at the Arte y Ofrendas Festival at Rainbow Lagoon.
Mercado La Paloma
When: Noon- 5 p.m. Oct. 27
Where: Mercado La Paloma, 3655 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: mercadolapaloma.com/events
The celebration at this bustling market and restaurant hall will include dancers, live music from artists like Oaxca’s Alejandra Robles plus workshops and food for purchase.
Downey Dia de Los Muertos Art Festival
When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 27
Where: Downey Theatre Plaza, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey
Cost: Free
Information: ddlm.downeytheatre.org
About 25,000 people are expected to attend throughout the day to check out Ballet Folklorico performances, live music, hang out in a beer and wine garden and shop artisan vendors booths and see traditional fine artwork from local artists.
Grand Park
When: Oct. 19-Nov. 2
Where: 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: grandparkla.org
The park’s 15-day celebration begins at 11 a.m. Oct. 19 and will include live poetry recitals, music performances, Día de los Muertos inspired workshops, face painting, food trucks, bilingual art activities and the unveiling of a collection of altars created by professional artists and local organizations. Other highlights include the inaugural Los Angeles Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival between Broadway and Spring street on Oct. 19 from 2-10 p.m. with the parade launching at 7:00 p.m. Altars will be on display throughout the 15 days of the event.
Catalina Museum Dia De Los Muertos Family Festival
When: 4-9 p.m. Nov. 1
Where: Catalina Museum for Art and History, 217 Metropole Ave, Avalon
Cost: Museum admission is $18 for adults, children age 15 and under enter free
Information: catalinamuseum.org
Hop on a boat and head to Catalina for a Day of the Dead celebration that will include music by Mariachi Las Catrinas and Sin Frontera, a puppet show, an art contest, tequila tasting, local food vendors and a raffle for a Barbie Día de Muertos doll.
Dia De Los Muertos at Fuego
When: Nov. 1-2
Where: Fuego at Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach
Cost: Free to enter, food and drinks for purchase
Information: hotelmayalongbeach.com/fuego-restaurant
The two day celebration at this seaside Latin restaurant will include a performance by Grammy award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, plus a face painting station, DJs and altars to honor those who have passed.
Riverside Day of the Dead
When: 1-10 p.m. Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3
Where: Market Street between University Avenue and 14th Street
Cost: Free
Information: On Instagram at @riversidedayofthedead
Riverside’s celebration expands to two days this year and it’s going to be a big one with thousands of people expected to attend the street party. Expect to see lots of altars, live music, a Catriana pageant, live music, dance performances and even lucha libre wrestling.
Dia de los Muertos at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2
Where: 12005 Bluff Creek Dr., Playa Vista
Cost: Free
Information: annenbergpetspace.org/events
Because pets are family too the Wallis is organizing a Day of the Dead event for animals that have touched people’s lives. People can bring a photo of a pet to add to the communal altar and there will be supplies there to decorate your tribute. And yes, of course people can bring their current pets too.
City of Ontario Celebrates Día de los Muertos
When: Through Nov. 17
Where: 225 S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario
Cost: Free
Information: ontariomuseum.org
The Ontario Museum of History & Art and the City of Ontario have teamed up to offer several events to mark Day of the Dead. Highlights include the Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos exhibit which includes paintings, sculptures, mixed media, photography, and altar installations. The exhibit is open through Nov. 17. There will also be a DÍa de los Muertos Gallery Reception on Nov. 1 that will include a performance by Ballet Folklorico Mi Lindo Mexico and a Día de los Muertos Procession that same day from 1-5 p.m. The procession will start at D Street and Euclid Avenue and conclude at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Anaheim Cemetery
When: Nov. 2
Where: 1400 E Sycamore St, Anaheim
Cost: Free
Information: occemeterydistrict.com
The cemetery will honor those who have passed with a celebration that will include Ballet Folklorico dancing and mariachi performances. People will receive free bouquets of marigolds for the decoration of gravesites or home altars and free pan de muertos and families are also welcome to build personal altars on the gravesites of loved ones.
Heritage Museum of Orange County
When: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 27
Where: 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana
Cost: Free
Information: heritagemuseumoc.org
The museum will celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with a community altar that will include pictures and offerings to people and pets, plus live entertainment, food, vendors and arts and crafts.
