Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally recognized in Latin America on November 1 to November 2, and sometimes through November 6, depending on the culture. It is a time dedicated to celebrating and honoring the lives of deceased loved ones. During this observance, family and friends gather to partake in the holidays traditions such as creating Calaveras or sugar skulls, gathering marigold flowers, and building ofrendas or altars with photos of the departed and foods they enjoyed during their physical life.
Of course, this celebration is not solely focused on the dead, it is also used as a time to give gifts and celebrate with the living as well. This beautiful cultural holiday is meant to be spent with the community and loved ones. We’ve collected incredible ways for you to learn more about it and spend with loved ones around Los Angeles this week.
1. Visit Grand Park’s Día de los Muertos display
This beautiful public art display by Grand Park is to create a “community-oriented space inviting parkgoers to discover altars made by professional artists and local community organizations displayed throughout the park.” On November 2, 2022, Angelenos can visit and also contribute to the community altar. This is free to the public. Get all the details here!
Location: Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
2. Celebrate with Self Help Graphics’ 49th Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition
Self Help Graphics 49th Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition and Celebration takes place this Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 4P.M. to 10P.M. Join them for a festive time starting from Mariachi Plaza to SHG, view their incredible exhibition and altars, enjoy live entertainment from local DJs, shop around their Muertos Market and dine on delicious food from community street food vendors! This event is free to the public, RSVP here.
3. Gather the whole family and head to Kidspace Children’s Museum Día de los Muertos Celebration
Kidspace Children’s Museum is celebrating Día de los Muertos from Tuesday, November 1s through Sunday, November 6, 2022. The program includes music, art, and a community ofrenda where families can share memories of people and pets who have enriched their lives. Get the full details here!
4. Join Manhattan Beach’s first ever Día de los Muertos Celebration
Manhattan Village is inviting friends and families to their first annual Day of the Dead Celebration happening on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 4P.M to 6P.M. The festivities will include music, face painting, performances, and more. RSVP for this free event here!
Location: 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
5. Witness an incredible Día de los Muertos performance at the Carpenter Center
Be sure to head to the Carpenter Center this weekend on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 8P.M. to witness Ofrenda: A Día de los Muertos Celebration. Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar will appear together on stage in this spectacular performance filled with colorful choreography and impassioned music, including an homage to artists such as Juan Gabriel and Pedro Infante, plus songs from Disney’s animated film “Coco.” Grab your tickets here!
6. Attend Long Beach’s 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival & Parade
7. Attend a Día de los Muertos Block Party with 24th Street Theatre
24th Street Theatre is hosting their 16th annual Día de los Muertos Block Party on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 6P.M. to 10P.M. Guests of their festive outdoor event can expect musical and dance performances, fair rides, delicious food, craft vendors, and so much more. Get the full details here!
Location: 1117 W. 24th St. & Hoover St. between 23rd and 25th St.
8. Attend the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at historic Olvera Street
For over 35 years, Olvera Street has celebrated Dia de los Muertos. The celebration has evolved to incorporate the pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan and Catholic rituals surrounding death. Each night, a vibrant and colorful procession sets the stage for our ceremony.
Taking place on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, attendees can expect:
- 5P.M. – Ballet Bravo (Dance performance)
- 6P.M. – Danza de la Muerte (Dance performance)
- 7P.M. – Novenario Procession, Community Altars, Entertainment, & Face Painting
Location: Olvera Street in DTLA
9. Check out Burrtio Break’s Dia de los Muertos pop-up
On Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 6P.M. to 10P.M., Burrito Break is welcoming all Angelenos to check out their festive pop-up full of local vendors, delicious eats like their classic burritos and drinks, along with a community altar to honor passed loved ones.
Location: St Vincent Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90014
10. Honor Día de los Muertos at Canoga Park’s 22nd Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Canoga Park’s 22nd Annual Día de los Muertos Family Festival is set to take this Sunday, November 6, 2022 from 10A.M. to 5:00P.M. Attendees can expect beautiful dance performances, music, vendors, an incredible classic car show, arts and crafts for the family, food, altars, and so much more. Get the full details here!
Location: Main Street Conoga Park
11. Spend it with family at The Bowers Museum’s Day Of The Dead celebration
On Sunday, November 6, 2022 The Bowers Museum: Observes Day of the Dead as we remember those friends and family members that are no longer with us. We celebrate the joy and happiness they brought into our lives with music, dance, art, and special foods. Bring a photo for our Ofrendas (memorial altar) honoring our loved ones and that special pet that left too soon. Enjoy performances by Mariachi Anacatlan, Relampago del Cielo, Los Cuates, Xipe Totec and Joel Aceves.
Location: 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706