What Is the Day of the Dead?
The Day of the Dead is a holiday originating in Mexico where families come together to honor and remember those who have passed. Unlike other rituals attached to death that are somber and mournful, Día de los Muertos is a joyful tradition. It is believed that the spirits of those who have passed away return to visit on this day, enjoy the festivities, and feel the love of those who have been left behind.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. November 1st is known as Día de Los Inocentes or Día de Los Angelitos (Day of the Innocents), honoring children who have passed away, while November 2nd is the main Day of the Dead, dedicated to remembering adults.
The day is celebrated with a host of beautiful and meaningful traditions. Families set up an ofrenda (altar) in their homes, decorated with photos, candles, and bright orange marigolds that are believed to guide the spirits back. The altars will also feature food offerings, including pan de muerto and the favorite dishes of the departed person, and the iconic Día de los Muertos calavera, skulls made out of sugar that symbolize both life and death.
Many families will also visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. They spend time at the graveside, sharing stories, food, and music. It’s a lively and communal gathering, sometimes lasting overnight, as families reconnect with their departed relatives.
What’s Special About the Día de los Muertos Festival in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has embraced the vibrant spirit of Día de Los Muertos, turning it into one of the city’s most colorful and culturally rich festivals.
Here’s why Los Angeles is the best city in the U.S. to celebrate.
A Fusion of Cultures
More than being home to the largest population of Mexican-Americans outside of Mexico, Los Angeles is also a melting pot of cultures. This means that the city’s Día de los Muertos celebrations are infused with the influences of several Latin-American communities. This amalgamation of cultures adds a unique dimension to the day.
It is this diversity and the fusion of creative expression and inclusivity that makes the city’s celebrations so unique. You’ll often find hybrid altars, where the classic marigolds and a calavera sugar skull are paired with modern touches like digital art, vibrant graffiti, and neon lights.
These altars beautifully capture the essence of Los Angeles—where heritage is honored while embracing a modern spirit, reflecting the city’s dynamic vibe.
A Platform for Artistic Expression
In Mexico, Día de Muertos is often a private, family-centric celebration, with altars set up at home or local cemeteries. In Los Angeles, however, celebrations are more than likely to spill out onto the streets and public spaces — transforming entire neighborhoods into one big party parade.
In fact, the Día de los Muertos parades in Los Angeles are one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events. Participants dressed as calacas (skeletons) with intricate skull face paint, often inspired by the iconic La Calavera Catrina, walk proudly alongside massive floats adorned with marigolds, candles, and other offerings.
And if that was not enough pomp, large papier-mâché skeletons that tower over the crowds dance to the rhythm of lively mariachi bands.
All in all, it’s quite an electric atmosphere!
Soul-Stirring Music and Dance
Music is the heartbeat of Día de Muertos holiday celebrations in Los Angeles.
From the moment the festivities begin, the air is filled with the sounds of traditional mariachi bands, their heartfelt ballads echoing through the streets and pulling people into a shared experience of remembrance and joy. But in true LA fashion, the music goes beyond the classic mariachi—contemporary bands influenced by Latin genres like salsa, cumbia, and reggaetón add a modern twist to the celebration, creating a dynamic blend of old and new.
If that were not mesmerizing enough, the rhythmic stomps of Aztec dancers in their vibrant feathered headdresses and the colorful swirling skirts of folkloric performers create a hypnotic, yet sacred atmosphere. The dancers pays homage to the ancient Aztec rituals that inspired Día de los Muertos as a celebration of life and death.
Places to Experience Dia de Muertos in Los Angeles
Whether you’re familiar with its customs or experiencing it for the first time, Día de los Muertos is a reminder that life and death are forever intertwined, and both deserve to be celebrated.
Olvera Street Celebrations
The Día de los Muertos celebrations at Olvera Street are among the city’s most iconic and cherished traditions, typically spanning several days. Olvera Street transforms into a lively, colorful hub filled with activities like traditional altar displays, candlelight processions, live music, and cultural performances.
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
The Día de los Muertos celebrations at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Santa Monica Boulevard have grown into one of the largest and most vibrant festivals of its kind in the U.S., blending the rich Mexican traditions with LA’s love for art, performance, and spectacle.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic cemetery, the event attracts thousands of visitors each year, who gather to honor the dead through beautifully crafted altars music, and community.
The visual spectacle extends beyond the altars to the festival’s vibrant costume contest, where attendees transform themselves into Calaveras (skulls) and elegant La Calavera Catrina figures.
Elaborate face paint, ornate outfits, and extravagant headpieces take center stage as participants compete for the title of best costume. From traditional Day of the Dead attire to bold, modern interpretations, the costume contest embodies the spirit of the festival—a blend of tradition, artistry, and individuality.
Food stalls also line the cemetery grounds, offering everything from traditional Mexican fare like tamales and pan de muerto to fusion dishes that reflect LA’s culinary diversity.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
In Los Angeles, Día de Muertos is more than just a tradition for honoring those who’ve passed away—it’s a vibrant, evolving celebration that truly reflects the city’s diverse and dynamic spirit. By embracing creativity and inclusivity, the city keeps the heart of Día de Muertos alive and meaningful while allowing it to grow and adapt with the times.
It’s a beautiful example of how honoring the past can also celebrate the present and future. Join the celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles and experience the magic of Día de Muertos firsthand—an unforgettable tribute to life, love, and remembrance. Buy your tickets here.
