Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration to honor those who have died. Every November 2, people come together to create ofrendas, or altars, adorned with photos of loved ones, their favorite foods and mementos.
Across Los Angeles each year, events in celebration of Día de los Muertos celebrate this part of Latine culture.
Here are some festivities on and around campus.
ON CAMPUS
Día de los Muertos - Latinx Chicanx Center for Advocacy and Student Affairs (La CASA)
La CASA is hosting its celebration open to all students on Tuesday, October 30, from noon to 2 p.m. at La CASA in the Student Union, room 400.
La CASA also encourages students to participate in their ofrenda by bringing a photo of their loved ones.
Activities and food at the event include face painting, artes y manualidades (arts and crafts), pan de muerto (bread of the dead), champurrado to sip, tamales and more to enjoy.
Students can register on Engage SC.
Viterbi Well: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration
Viterbi Well will set up a community altar in the John Brooks Slaughter Center in Ronald Tutor Hall from October 30 to November 6 for students to pay tribute to their loved ones who have died and reflect on the memories they share.
Students are encouraged to create marigolds–a traditional sign of remembrance–for the altar, bring in a photo of a loved one, write a reflection and take part in arts and crafts for the event.
On November 3, from 4-7 p.m., Viterbi Well will offer coffee and conchas as the community comes together to remember, share and connect in Ronald Tutor Hall, room 210.
Students can register on Engage SC.
OFF CAMPUS
52nd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
Hosted at East L.A. Civic Center Park, one of the nation’s oldest Día de los Muertos Celebrations, will feature a traditional dance, community ofrendas and live entertainment.
The main celebration will take place on November 1 from 3-8 p.m., where there will be traditional ofrendas honoring community members and activists lost to systemic violence and the L.A. fires earlier this year. Before that, attendees can join in for a procession at 2 p.m. showcasing local dancers and musicians.
This celebration will also include local street food and the Muertos Market, where local artisans and artists will sell their work.
Registration for the event is open on Eventbrite.
Downtown Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park
The annual Downtown Día de los Muertos offers community ofrendas, music and activities. Taking place just 20 minutes from campus at Gloria Molina Grand Park, attendees can explore the 19 ofrendas made by artists and local organizations and leave a photo to honor their loved ones.
The ofrendas, which are part of a nine-day exhibition, will be available until November 2 and are open to the public from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
On Sunday, November 2, the closing celebration, Noche de los Muertos, will take place from 3-7 p.m. Lupita Infanta, a Latin GRAMMY nominee, will headline the Sunday event, along with a local band, Boleros with Attitude. Attendees can partake in activities like lantern-making and face painting as well.
Día de los Muertos Festival on Olvera Street
Olvera Street, a historic pedestrian street in Downtown Los Angeles, will host their annual Día de los Muertos Festival. The festival is open to the public from October 25 until November 2 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Each evening, Teatro del Barrio will perform La Danza de la Muerte at 6 p.m., followed by a procession at 7 p.m. The night ends in a ceremony to honor loved ones with community ofrendas.
At 11 a.m. on November 1 and 2, there will be additional entertainment like face painting.
Dia de Muertos at Eagle Rockdale Community Garden & Art Park
The Eagle Rockdale Community is hosting a celebration open to all Los Angeles residents in the heart of Eagle Rockdale, at their community garden, on November 2, from noon to 5 p.m. at 1003 Rockdale Ave.
The event will honor the deceased with artistic displays, food and a strong spirit of community through public altars, musical performances, and decorations.
Registration can be found on Eventbrite.