SHARE MEMENTOS, MUSIC, FOOD AT PUBLIC OFRENDAS
ANN AND LARRY YAMAGUCHI
Kathleen and I were so very blessed to have the best parents two daughters could ever have! You were both always “the wind beneath our wings” and we knew that you loved us unconditionally. Your spirits are forever in our hearts. — Roxanne Moster
Encino
JULIA PALACIOS
I miss you, Granny. You always gave us so much love and happiness. Your big red leather rocking chair and your warmth made everything all right. I love you and miss you. Love, Katalina. — Kathleen Donson Soots Alameda
HENRY FUHRMANN
Henry Fuhrmann, a beloved former Los Angeles Times editor, died Sept. 14, 2022, at age 65. He was one of those rare individuals whose kindness and caring shone as brilliantly as his sharp intellect. He championed the causes of people of color, most notably persuading the Associated Press to drop the hyphen in phrases describing a person’s ethnic heritage such as “Mexican American” or “Italian American.” He explained: “These are full Americans — not some strange hybrid Americans.” — Ruthanne Salido Pasadena
MARGARET SILVA MARQUEZ
Mom. Daughter, Sister, Grandma. Unselfish provider, hard worker, always caring for her own, always there for them. We miss you, Mom. Our talks, your calls, our visits, your laugh, your love, your concern for us. I love you, Mom. Miss you every day. Watch over us ’til we see you again. — Bertha Perez
Fresno
MARTA JARA TERRIQUEZ
My tía, Marta Jara Terriquez, had a wicked sense of humor and a beautiful smile. She instilled in her six children — my cousins — the ability to make the best of any situation, take care of each other and have a good time. — Veronica Terriquez
FROM COMMUNITY events like one in Lynwood to large-scale festivals including Olvera Street’s nine-day event, people are coming together across Los Angeles and Orange counties to celebrate Día de Muertos, the traditional holiday with deep roots in Mexican Indigenous culture. This year many Día de Muertos event organizers and communities around Southern California are building ofrendas, or altars, so the public can contribute a photo or memento of the person or pet they want to celebrate. The ofrenda is a portal for the souls of the departed to return to the land of the living for a day and be with the friends and family who loved them. Altars come alive with colorful papel picado, fresh or paper marigolds, food and drink and mementos.
If you want to contribute to an altar or celebrate Día de Muertos, here are 27 places or events in Southern California to check out.
AN ALTAR FOR LOS ANGELES
Altaristas Ofelia Esparza and her daughter Rosanna Esparza Ahrens pay homage to the people and history of a small pueblo turned metropolis in an altar as part of the permanent “Becoming Los Angeles” exhibition at the Natural History Museum.
The display has photos of people from different ethnicities and backgrounds along with relics from various cultures. The diverse display is accompanied by Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles, who watches over the Pueblo de Los Angeles. In an interview with the museum, the artists said they want their altar to convey “L.A., its culture, its people, and its art” and leave people with the message that when you really explore Los Angeles with an open heart, these communities are welcoming.
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, nhm.org/stories/altar-los-angeles
NOCHE DE OFRENDA AT SELF HELP GRAPHICS
This annual Boyle Heights community event on Nov. 2 is centered on honoring friends and ancestors. Visitors may contribute a photo to a community altar and share memories of loved ones. View altars created by artists and community partners and enjoy live poetry, music and refreshments.
There is limited street parking, so Self Help Graphics recommends carpooling, rideshare or taking the Metro L (Gold) Line to the Pico/Aliso station.
1300 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, selfhelp graphics.com/diadelosmuertos
GRAND PARK’S DOWNTOWN DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
In its 10th year of honoring people, places and ideas through commemorating Día de los Muertos, Grand Park calls on Angelenos to contribute to a community altar dedicated to the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The altar is created by artist-educator Consuelo Flores, the curator for this year’s event. The park also will host 21 altars made by artists and community organizations. The free public art installation is open through Nov. 2 from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, grandparkla.org
PLAYHOUSE VILLAGE ALTARS EXHIBIT
Mercadito Monarca and Playhouse Village invite people to experience and learn about Día de Muertos by visiting installations in shop and storefront windows. Ofrendas by artists and community partners will be on display through Nov. 4.
696 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, playhousevillage.org/calendar-of -events/dia-de-los-muertos
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT MISSION PLAYHOUSE PLAZA
The San Gabriel community is invited to honor the Día de Muertos tradition with live music, family-friendly activities and a community altar at Mission Playhouse Plaza on Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Community members may submit a photo for the altar before the event. For information, call (626) 308-2875.
320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, sangabrielcity.com/1413/Dia-de-Los -Muertos
MAIN STREET CANOGA PARK’S DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FAMILY FESTIVAL
The 22nd edition of this family event on Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes music, vendors and a classic car show, as well as unique community-created ofrendas — at a booth, in store windows or in the trunk of a classic car.
Sherman Way and Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park, mainstreetcanogapark.la
STRATHEARN HISTORIC PARK AND MUSEUM’S DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
At the Strathearn Park and Museum’s eighth annual celebration, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, at least 17 ofrendas will be on display, with people on hand to answer questions. The ofrendas are created by Simi Valley families and organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Daughters of the American Revolution and Hillside Middle School. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to a community altar. The Aztec dance troupe from CSU Channel Islands, Resistencia Mexicayotl Chalchiuhtlicue, will perform at 12:45 p.m.
137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley, simihistory.com/portfolio-items /dia-de-los-muertos
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT FOREST LAWN
Forest Lawn celebrates Día de los Muertos in four locations: Glendale, Covina Hills, Cypress and Cathedral City. Three locations will host free activities Oct. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.; Cathedral City’s event is Nov. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m.
All events will include an altar, Expresiones Culturales Grupo Folklórico and mariachi music. The altars are designed and constructed by Forest Lawn’s floral specialists and the community is invited to enliven the altar with offerings.
1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale; 21300
Via Verde Drive, Covina; 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress; 69855 E. Ramon Road, Cathedral City; forestlawn.com/events /dia-de-los-muertos-glendale
DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA
Nine “La Catrina” sculptures, standing 14 feet tall, will be on display on three blocks of Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade through Nov. 2. The sculptures are by L.A.-based artist Ricardo Soltero and inspired by illustrator José Guadalupe Posada, who created “La Calavera Catrina” in 1910.
1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, downtownsm.com/dia-de -los-muertos
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT OLVERA STREET
Día de los Muertos at Olvera Street is a nine-day festival with a nightly procession, community altars on display in the plaza (from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), face painting and entertainment. It has evolved to incorporate pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan and Catholic death rituals.
Nightly through Nov. 2, at 6 p.m., Teatro del Barrio presents “La Danza de la Muerte,” followed at 7 p.m. by the Novenario Procession, which starts and ends with a Mayan blessing.
845 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, olveraevents.com/day-of-the-dead -olvera-street
DÍA DE MUERTOS CELEBRATION AT DOMINGUEZ RANCHO ADOBE MUSEUM
At this free event on Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can view ofrendas and enjoy live performances, Mexican cuisine and local artisans’ shops.
18127 S. Alameda St., Rancho Dominguez, dominguezrancho.org/2022/02/20 /dia-de-muertos-celebration-saturday -november-5-2022
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS VIGIL SERVICE
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will hold a Día de Muertos prayer vigil Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, lacatholics.org/event/dia-de-los -muertos-vigil-service
LYNWOOD’S DÍA DE MUERTOS CELEBRATION
The city of Lynwood will host a Dia de Muertos Celebration at the Lynwood Union Gallery on Nov. 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music from L.A.-based Betty’s Mustache, plus an art exhibition, food and a screening of Disney’s “Coco.”
Attendees can walk through altar displays made by a mix of local artists, residents, city staffers, community groups and school groups. People can honor departed loved ones by leaving a photo or memento at a community altar.
3780 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lynwood, lynwood.ca.us/galleries /celebrate-dia-de-los-muertos-with -lynwood
CENTRO CULTURAL DE MEXICO’S NOCHE DE ALTARES
El Centro Cultural de Mexico has been organizing its Noche de Altares event since 2002. The volunteer-coordinated event is from 1 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 5, and offers cultural performances, live music, face painting and art workshops at Birch Park. People are invited to commemorate a loved one or raise awareness about a social issue by building an altar.
Ross Park, 400 W. 3rd St., Santa Ana, nochedealtares.info
VIVA LA VIDA DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
The eighth annual Viva la Vida Día de los Muertos Festival takes over Santa Ana’s downtown Nov. 5 from 2 to 10 p.m. The streets will come alive with culture, tradition and altars filled with memories. In the evening La Catrina will emerge among a procession visiting each altar and lighting the first candle in the ceremony. Attendees also can expect live musical entertainment.
305 E. 4th St., Santa Ana, vivalavida santaana.org
SADDLEBACK COLLEGE DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Saddleback College welcomes students and the community to celebrate Día de Muertos by leaving a flower or photo at one of its public ofrendas. Celebrate with free tacos (while they last), live music and dance, and activities for all ages, including workshops to create paper flowers, headdresses, sugar skulls, custom T-shirts and more.
The event is Nov. 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Fine Arts Courtyard. Reserve free tickets on Eventbrite.
28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, saddleback.edu/news/arts /Dia-De-Los-Muertos-Celebration-0
WESTMINSTER MEMORIAL PARK DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
The cemetery hosts a free, familyfriendly Día de Muertos event Oct. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. Guests will be greeted with complimentary sugar skulls, ice cream, pan dulce and champurrado. Expect a raffle, dance performances and face painting. Families are encouraged to add to a community altar.
14801 Beach Blvd., Westminister, dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes /westminster-ca/westminster-memorial -park-mortuary/4979
‘OFRENDA’ AT THE CARPENTER CENTER
The Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar perform “Ofrenda: A Día de los Muertos Celebration” on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach.
“Ofrenda” includes traditional music and dances from different regions, including “La Bruja” from Veracruz and “Retablo Purépecha” from Michoacán, and pays homage to Mexican artists such as Juan Gabriel and Pedro Infante. It also will feature songs from Disney’s “Coco.” Tickets are $45.
6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach, carpenterarts.org/event/ballet -folklorico-de-los-angeles
MOLAA’S DAY OF THE DEAD: STRENGTH AND HOPE
The Museum of Latin American Art’s event on Oct. 30, which has the theme “Strength and Hope,” starts at 11 a.m. and includes live music and dance, exhibitions, vendors and a Q&A with Emmy winner Jorge Gutierrez. The events ends with a screening of Gutierrez’s “The Book of Life” at 6:15 p.m.
RSVPs are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. On-site parking is $15.
628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, molaa.org/2022_dod
MOUNT WILSON FUNDRAISING CONCERT AND DÍA DE MUERTOS CELEBRATION
Mount Wilson Observatory hosts the Adams Pack Station Fundraiser, featuring the Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas — L.A.’s all-female international mariachi group — on Oct. 30. Proceeds go to the Adams Pack Station, which has been closed since 2020’s Bobcat fire. Performances will be at 3 and 5 p.m. inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome.
An ofrenda will honor those from the Mount Wilson Observatory and Adams Pack Station who left their mark on both institutions. Ticket holders are invited to a reception from 4 to 5 p.m. for Mexicanstyle hors d’oeuvres and assorted beverages. Buy tickets online.
Mount Wilson Observatory, Los Angeles, adamspackstation.com/oct-30-tix
FAMILY FESTIVAL AT CATALINA MUSEUM
Catalina Museum hosts its fourth Día de los Muertos Family Festival with an art project for kids, local vendors, a tequila tasting and live performances. On Nov. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy performances by Mariachi Las Catrinas and local band Sin Frontera as well as a dance by Ballet Folklorico Quetzal.
217 Metropole Ave., Avalon, catalina museum.org/calendar/event/2692505
FIGAT7TH DÍA DE MUERTOS ALTAR
Downtown’s open-air mall FIGat7th partnered with Dalila Paola Mendez, a queer first-generation Central American artist based in L.A., to create a Día de Muertos altar. Addressing water issues, it’s on display on level M1 through Nov. 2.
735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, figat7th.com/arts-events/dia-de-los -muertos-altar
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FAMILY DAY
Join LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ education team for free hands-on art and culinary workshops, as well as live dance and music, Oct. 30 starting at noon.
501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, lapca.org /event/dia-de-los-muertos-family-day -free
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL AT THE MUCKENTHALER CULTURAL CENTER
“The Muck’s” free Día de los Muertos Festival, on Oct. 30 from noon to 4 p.m., includes live music, local artisans, and arts and crafts activities for kids.
1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton , themuck.org/program/2022-10-30
BOWERS MUSEUM’S DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
The Bowers Museum’s free festival, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., serves up music by groups including O.C. Mariachi Kids and El Santo Golpe, dance by Raices de Mexico Ballet Folklorico and Xipe Totec Danza Azteca, art, face painting and more.
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, bowers .org/index.php/component/yendifevents /event/1364-day-of-the-dead-festival
GRAND PARADE DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Long Beach and Councilwoman Mary Zendejas present a Día de Muertos Grand Parade on Nov. 5 that will include Catrinas, calaveras, musical groups and dancers. The route starts at 10 a.m. at 3rd Street and Pine Avenue and ends at Shoreline near Marina Green Park. After the parade, look for art and ofrendas at Rainbow Lagoon Park until 10 p.m.
grandparadediademuertos.com
24TH STREET THEATRE BLOCK PARTY
The annual 24th Street Theatre block party, Nov. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m., is headlined by musical acts Angel Peaches with Combi Darks band; duo Ampersan from Mexico City; and singer Margarita Luna de Guadalajara. The free event includes craft booths, rides, homemade tamales and an area where families can make ofrendas. The evening starts with a procession at 5:45 p.m.
1117 W. 24th St., Los Angeles, 24thstreet .org/dia-de-los-muertos-2022