What Is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
What Is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
Día de los Muertos (Spanish for “Day of the Dead”) is a traditional Mexican holiday observed on November 1 and 2. It’s a time when families honor and remember deceased loved ones—not in mourning, but in celebration—believing that the souls of the departed return to visit the living.
November 1 is often dedicated to children and infants (called Día de los Angelitos)
November 2 is dedicated to adults who have passed
The holiday combines Indigenous (pre-Hispanic) beliefs (e.g. Aztec traditions) with Catholic practices like All Saints’ Day / All Souls’ Day.
The central idea: death is part of life’s continuum, and memory keeps bonds alive.
Traditions & Symbols: How It’s Celebrated
Ofrendas (Altars) & Home Altars
Families build ofrendas inside homes, courtyards, or public spaces to welcome back ancestral spirits. Common items include:
Photographs, mementos, personal belongings
Candles and incense
Marigolds (cempasúchil) to guide spirits with bright color and scent
Food & drink offerings: pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, favorite dishes of the deceased, water, atole, etc.
Papel picado (intricately cut paper banners) representing wind / spirit movement
Elements representing water, earth, fire, wind (to help the souls find their way)
Visiting Graves & Cleaning Them
On November 1 or 2, families often visit cemeteries to clean tombstones, decorate with flowers, light candles, and leave offerings. Some people spend the night listening, sharing, and waiting for spirits.
Public Festivities
In many places, the holiday expands into public displays, murals, processions, music, dance, and art exhibitions.
At Hollywood Forever Cemetery, there is an annual large celebration featuring altars, performances, and film programs.
Olvera Street in Los Angeles hosts a multi-night festival with nightly processions and community altars.
Downtown L.A.’s Grand Park transforms into a hub of remembrance with altars, art, and music (Oct 25 to Nov 2 in 2025)
Self Help Graphics & Art in L.A. stages one of the city’s signature Día de los Muertos exhibitions and celebrations.
How You Can Celebrate at Home or Locally
Here are meaningful ways readers can participate:
Build your own altar: Include photos, candles, favorite foods, and small mementos.
Bake pan de muerto: Traditional sweet bread shaped with “bone” motifs and often flavored with orange.
Decorate sugar skulls (calaveras) or make papel picado.
Visit a public event or cultural celebration: Attend an altar exhibit, procession, or performance near you (e.g. Hollywood Forever, Olvera Street, Grand Park).
Share stories and memories: Encourage family members to tell funny, loving, or meaningful anecdotes about departed loved ones.
Why Día de los Muertos Matters
It reconnects people with their ancestors—not in sorrow, but celebration.
It blends living culture, artistry, and spiritual memory in powerful ways.
It helps preserve Indigenous and Mexican traditions in diaspora communities.
It builds cultural bridges: people of all backgrounds often participate or appreciate.
Día de los Muertos is less about saying goodbye—and more about remembering, laughing, connecting, and honoring that love never truly dies. In L.A., where cultures intersect, the holiday is both deeply personal and spectacularly communal.
2025 Día de los Muertos Events You Won’t Want to Miss
San Pedro Día de los Muertos Festival
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Downtown San Pedro, 398 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA Event Details
Free, family-friendly festival with live music, artisan vendors, a beer garden, altar contest, free trolley rides, and community altars. Visitors are encouraged to wear Dia de los Muertos costumes.
Gloria Molina Grand Park – Downtown L.A.
October 25 to November 2, 2025
200 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA Event Details
Community altars, art installations, music & performances. Opening celebration Oct 25 (11 AM–4 PM), closing “Noche de los Muertos” Nov 2 (3–7PM).
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Día de los Muertos
Last Saturday before Nov. 2 (2025)
Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood, CA Event Details
One of the largest and most iconic celebrations in L.A.: elaborate altars, performances, processions, theatrical elements. Tickets required; timed entry windows.
Self Help Graphics 52nd Annual Celebration
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 3:00 PM–8:00 PM
East LA Civic Center Park, 4801 E. 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA Event Details
Community altars, live music & dance, art vendors, workshops leading up to the main event.
Los Muertos 5K (Walk / Run & Celebration)
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 8:00 AM start
Historic Olvera Street, Downtown Los Angeles Event Details
A 5K route through historic district, music along the way, and a post-race Dia de los Muertos celebration.