Los Angeles is taking part in the annual Día de los Muertos celebration in neighborhoods across the city.
Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a longstanding tradition in Latin American countries that memorializes family members who have died and often involves costumes and parades to celebrate.
It formally takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, although events happen the week prior as well. Many celebrations are planned for the holiday week, and attendance is open for anyone interested in learning more about this event.
USC will host its own event in Trousdale Parkway on Wednesday and will feature an ofrenda for those who lost loved ones, as well as an exhibition of student art. The ofrenda is a traditional altar display featuring those who have passed away, and it’s believed that the individual’s spirit is reunited with their families during this period.
Nova Blanco-Rico, a graduate student studying journalism and editor for Dímelo, said it’s important to celebrate those you’ve loved and lost.
“For me, I lost many people I loved, so though there is some mourning, seeing their faces on that altar surrounded by the items we remember them by brings a sense of joy and connection to both them and our culture,” Blanco-Rico said.
Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles is host to celebrations in the community and will feature many different events in the coming days.
The Calavera LGBTQ Festival is a celebration that brings together Latinx and LGBTQ+ cultures. It features queer Latinx artists, folklorico and Aztec dancers, and a drag competition. This event took place on Oct. 21, and all proceeds will be reinvested to create more spaces for queer Latinx people throughout the city, according to the Latino Equality Alliance.
Self Help Graphics and Arts, a community arts center in Boyle Heights, aims to empower Chicano and Latinx artists. They are hosting a parade on November 4, where people will dress up in Día de los Muertos costumes.
The Santa Monica Pier will host a Día de los Muertos celebration. This includes ‘Letters of Life,’ an art installation which will continue until Nov. 3. There are altars to commemorate dead loved ones, with blessings at the pier and live music, art and food.
Angelina Hicks contributed to this report