Dia de los Muertos
Celebrating Life & Memories
Observed on November 1st and 2nd, this holiday is not a Mexican Halloween; it is a multi-day celebration that brings families together to remember, honor, and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. It is believed that this is when the veil between the living & the dead is the thinnest so ofrendas (altars) are built in honor of those who have passed.
The celebrations originated in Mexico & are believed to have Indigenous Mexican roots so Latinos in the U.S. are also celebrating their cultural heritage.
L.A. Day of the Dead | Hollywood Forever Cemetery 2021. ©M.Ramirez-Adams
Flor de Muerto
L.A. Day of the Dead | Hollywood Forever Cemetery 2018. ©M. Ramirez-Adams
Orange Mexican marigolds called cempasúchil are sometimes called la Flor de Muerto. These flowers are thought to attract souls of the dead to the offerings. It is also believed the bright petals with a strong scent can guide the souls from cemeteries to their family homes.
Ofrendas
Cempasúchil are used to decorate the altars families create known as ofrendas, to welcome the spirits of the deceased. These ofrendas are decorated with photographs, candles, colorful paper flags, favorite foods and belongings of the departed. Pan de muerto, or “bread of the dead,” is a special treat prepared for this occasion, decorated to symbolize the cycle of life and death.
Calaveras
Calaveras | Sugar Skulls at L.A. Day of the Dead | Hollywood Forever Cemetery 2019 ©M. Ramirez-Adams
Calaveras / Sugar Skulls are ubiquitous during Day of the Dead and are made by hand from sugar, clay or paper mache into smiling, festive skulls to laugh to death. They are given as treats or to decorate altars. They have also inspired the popular face painting styles at celebrations.
L.A. Day of the Dead | Hollywood Forever
L.A. Day of the Dead | Hollywood Forever Cemetery 2019 ©M. Ramirez-Adams
The first time I went to Hollywood Forever for the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration was 2009. The year before I noticed crowds of people dressed as Catrinas & others with their faces painted as calaveras all walking to the cementery. My husband’s studio was on Santa Monica & Gower so right next to the event. I felt an immediate connection & had to learn more about what I was missing out on.
Self Portrait at L.A. Day of the Dead 2022. ©M.Ramirez-Adams
The annual L.A. Day of the Dead started in 2000 when Daisy Marquez contacted Tyler Cassidy, co-owner and president of Hollywood Forever with the idea. Since then it was grown into where over thousands of people attend & see over 100 altars, watch Aztec Dancers, get photographed with the Catrinas walking by, view art, eat good food & the musical line up is stellar.
L.A. Day of the Dead 2023 ©M.Ramirez-Adams
L.A. Day of the Dead 2024. ©M.Ramirez-Adams
Every year there is a theme & the artisans of altars & Catrinas created something to honor the dead & celebrate the theme. In 2024 the theme was “Spirit Guides and Guardians” (Tonas and Nahuales). The themes of the years can be seen in my films of the events.
Celebration of Life
Dancer from L.A. Day of the Dead | Hollywood Forever Cemetery 2023 ©M.Ramirez-Adams
The true beauty of Día de los Muertos lies in its philosophy: death is not something to fear, but rather a reminder of life’s preciousness. Día de los Muertos encourages people to remember those who have passed in a joyful, celebratory way, reflecting on shared memories rather than focusing on loss. This perspective gives the living a chance to connect with their heritage, family, and roots while reinforcing the idea that love and memory transcend the physical boundaries of life and death.
