These Day of the Dead Celebrations Are as Sweet as Pan de Muerto
Día de los Muertos is a sacred Mexican holiday that pays homage to ancestors and loved ones who have crossed to the other side. During this beloved tradition, personalized ofrendas, or altars, are adorned with everything from sugar skulls and photos to vibrant florals as offerings to the deceased. The official holiday takes place on Nov. 1-2, but festivities often span much of October, bringing together community and culture in one of the most beautiful and symbolic ways. Whether you’re looking to add a new tradition to your holiday or are celebrating for the first time, here are 11 ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Los Angeles this year.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
No Halloween season is complete without a visit to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. This year, the entire Universal Plaza has been decked out from head to toe in Dia de los Muertos decor, and you’ll even find a full Modelo branded bar where you can order ice-cold cervezas. For something even more festive, consider the Muerte Michelada which is made with Modelo, michelada mix, jalapeño syrup, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce before being garnished with chamoy, tajin and a lime wedge. Complete your spread with tasty bites like the beef birria tacos and esquites, and then finish with the sweet cinnamon sugar nachos muertos.
Location: Studio City
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Celebrate culture at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s 25th Annual Día de los Muertos event on Oct. 26 from morning until night. This year’s theme is “spirit guides and guardians,” or tonas and nahuales. Inspired by the beliefs of Mesoamericans, the cemetery will display breathtaking exhibits of intricately carved and patterned guides and guardians from some of the best artists in Oaxaca. The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to midnight, with other event highlights including a cathedral art exhibit featuring Antonio Fuentes, a children’s plaza, plenty of live musical performances, a costume contest and several delicious food vendors.
Location: Hollywood
Knott’s Scary Farm
Knott’s Scary Farm is one of the most iconic Halloween destinations in SoCal, but the kid-friendly amusement park also pulls out all of the stops for Dia de los Muertos! Typically, guests can experience a Fiesta Village, featuring talented dancers in sugar skull makeup, vibrant decor and educational performances. Those craving more of a scare can head to one of the ten heart-pounding mazes or five sinister scare zones for a fright, but not before quenching their thirst with a Modelo Negra at the Fiesta Bar.
Location: Buena Park
Día de los Muertos Festival on Olvera Street
One of the most beloved and traditional Día de los Muertos celebrations takes place at none other than historic Olvera Street. This multi-day festival is set to run from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, and includes everything from ofrenda displays to live entertainment performances. The beautiful Novenario procession starts and ends with an authentic Mayan blessing and soul cleansing before showcasing Aztec dancers, an incense and ceremonial blessing and, eventually, a nightly ceremony in the Kiosko. Children are also able to celebrate with fun face paintings and a touching theatrical telling of the story behind Día de los Muertos.
Location: DTLA
Los Muertos 5K
Looking to get some steps in before celebrating with your favorite treats and sweets? The Los Muertos 5K takes place on Nov. 2 on Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Whether you’re running or walking, enjoy festive live music played right alongside the course for motivation. Stop by the face painting station at 6 a.m. before kicking off the race at 8 a.m. Once the race is over, let loose with your family and friends at the post-race Día de los Muertos celebration for drinks, food and fun.
Location: DTLA
Día de los Muertos Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
The Día de los Muertos Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a great event for parents looking to immerse their children in the history and culture of this holiday. On Oct. 27, LA Plaza will come to life by paying homage to those who have passed—-expect live acts, musical performances and a tasty selection of food and beverages. The event, which starts at noon, will also offer arts and crafts for kids, along with beautiful sugar skull face paintings.
Location: DTLA
Downey Día de Los Muertos Art Festival
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by attending the Downey Día de Los Muertos Art Festival on Oct. 27. Located 13 miles southeast of LA, this art-centered event celebrates creators at both the local and regional level. From the vibrant and colorful decorations to the talented dancers, this festival brings people from all over the city together in celebration for the 11th year in a row. Don’t forget to pre-apply to participate in the community altar and honor a loved one with a photo and a meaningful item.
Location: Downey
11/13
Día De Los Muertos Celebration at Forest Lawn
Not interested in traveling across town for a Dia de los Muertos event? No worries! Forest Lawn is hosting three different celebrations at four locations: Covina Hills, Glendale and Cypress, all on Oct. 27, and Cathedral City on Nov. 2. Each event will center around cultural expression and the traditional ofrenda. However, you can also admire moving performances from a Folkloric dance group and mariachi musicians. Admission is completely free, and each event is happening from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Covina Hills, Glendale, Cypress and Cathedral City
Downtown Día De Los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park
Head to Gloria Molina Grand Park for the grand Día De Los Muertos festivities! Taking place from Oct. 19 through Nov. 2, this two-week exhibit showcases some of the most intricate and stunning altars and ofrendas. While the art is the star of the show, you can also enjoy kid-friendly activities and arts, film screenings and, for the first time ever, a beautiful parade through DTLA. Each of the 20 altars featured has been created by professional artists and community-driven organizations, and attendees have the option to partake by leaving a framed photo, memento or message on the ofrendas.
Location: DTLA
12th Annual Día De Los Muertos Festival San Pedro
For the 12th year in a row, San Pedro is hosting its renowned and unifying Día De Los Muertos Festival on Oct. 26. Unlike some of the smaller festivals, this one sees thousands of attendees from all over Southern California. In addition to other performers, two-time Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea will take the stage. Visitors can also explore the lively beer garden, altar exhibits and local cuisine. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts or participate in the costume contest, but don’t forget to save time for a free trolley ride through downtown San Pedro.
Location: San Pedro
Main Street Canoga Park Día de los Muertos Festival
On Nov. 3, head to the valley for the Main Main Street Canoga Park Día de los Muertos Festival. Located on charming Sherman Way between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Canoga Avenue, this all-day, outdoor festival will take place on Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will start with Aztec dancers at the opening ceremony. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy bright colors and live tunes ranging from Latin jazz to Spanish rock at the main stage. The ofrenda and altar tent will be open all day for guests to pay tribute to loved ones on the other side. Plus, there will also be an art exhibit, dance workshop, a car show and more.
Location: Canoga Park
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
