Normally on November 1st and 2nd, Dia de los Muertos would be in full force. Cemeteries across the county would be dotted with beautiful alters adorned with candles, candy skulls and marigolds. There’d be music and food. But not this year.
That’s Los Angeles based artist Dalili Paola Mendez. She says even though celebrations will be different, it doesn’t mean they won’t be celebrating. In fact, she worked with Self Help Graphics and Art. It’s an organization that uplifts the voices and work of Chicano and Latinx artists.
Mendez created an altar or ofrenda for the celebration. She says she wanted to take an unorthodox angle on her work, given the unprecedented year we’ve experienced.
The indigenous Mexican tradition dates back thousands of years and is said to reunite beloved ancestors, family and friends with the living. But because it comes right after Halloween… many people think Day of the Dead is simply the Mexican equivalent of Halloween. But it’s not.
You can find Mendez’s piece at the shopping center on Figueroa and 7th street, right near Nordstrom.