Day of the Dead events in Los Angeles – NBC Los Angeles

Day of the Dead, a celebration that has grown worldwide, brings together thousands of people every Nov. 1 and 2 to remember loved ones who have passed away.

During the commemoration, families often create altars with photos of their deceased and adorn them with marigolds, their favorite foods and drinks, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), candles, and personal belongings. These elements are meant to “welcome the return of their spirits,” according to the National Museum of the American Latino.

The roots of this colorful celebration combine Indigenous customs and Catholic rituals.

Over the years, Day of the Dead has become a cultural event passed down from generation to generation, with the same message: to keep alive the memory of those who have passed away.

Here is a list of events where Day of the Dead will be celebrated in Los Angeles:

• Gloria Molina Grand Park is hosting an exhibition of 19 altars until November 2nd. This Sunday, there will be a ceremony with Aztec dancers and various family-friendly activities. Singer Lupita Infante will close the ceremony.

• For years, Hollywood Forever has hosted one of the largest and most colorful Day of the Dead celebrations in Southern California, featuring dozens of altars around the iconic cemetery. The event takes place on November 1st and is divided into three sessions (1-3:30 p.m., 4:30-9:00 a.m., and 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.). The event offers activities for the whole family. Tickets are available here.

• Santa Monica Pier has prepared events to celebrate this tradition on November 1st and 2nd. From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On both days, families can enjoy altars adorned with papel picado (paper decorations), accompanied by mariachi music and folkloric ballet.

• Olvera Street Plaza is hosting celebrations until Nov. 2, with an altar display starting at 10 a.m. In the afternoons, starting at 5 p.m., there are activities for children, including Aztec dancers. At 6 p.m., a special performance will be presented to share the history and meaning of this tradition.

• East LA Civic Center Park will host an event on November 1st that includes a procession, altars, music, dancers, art vendors, and children’s activities. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Canoga Park, as it does every year, will celebrate this tradition on November 2nd starting at 10 a.m. At 5 p.m. This family event has a little bit of everything: children’s activities, a car show, food, folk dances, live music, a procession, altars, a Catrina contest, and more.