Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Altar at the entrance 

Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever cemetery was originally envisioned for the purpose of providing an authentic venue, in which this ancient tradition could be genuinely observed, celebrated and preserved.  This event has provided a gateway for those who wish to re-acquaint themselves with their deeply rooted traditions and profoundly engage with one of the most devotional celebrations for the continuous cycle of life.

Dia De Los Muertos is one of Mexico's traditional holidays reuniting and honoring beloved ancestors, family and friends. It is an ancient and enduring ritual when the living commune with the dead - a mystical night when the veil is lifted between their two realms and they may share a day together.

Throughout each period in Mexican culture, death seems to hold no terror.  In Mexican art, legends, and religion, death has not been a mysterious and fearful presence but a realistic recognizable character as much a part of life as life itself.  Dia De Los Muertos expresses this perspective; it is not a mournful commemoration but a happy and colorful celebration where Death takes a lively, friendly expression and is not frightening or strange. There is no place for sorrow or weeping for this could be interpreted as discourteous to the dead relatives who are visiting gladly.

This night is an important feast and evocation.  It is a time when family members share memorable stories that evoke the lives of their ancestors.  Offerings and altars are created to welcome and commemorate the dead.  Marigolds and incense are offered in abundance because it is believed their aromatic scents guide the dead to the place where the feast is being held. A profusion of candles dispels the darkness just as the souls are being illuminated from the shadows of death.  Altars are created with photos, mementos, fruit, bread, and other favorite things of the ancestors being welcomed and honored.  The artifacts of these altars also provide the opportunity to teach children about those who came before them.

Dia De Los Muertos is a time of celebration on remembrance.  It is also a time to come to terms with our mortality and become aware of the cycle of life and death.  Rather than deny and fear death this event teaches us to accept and contemplate the meaning of mortality.

Admission Tix

tribal dancers

backdrop for pictures

Aztec America Reporter

altar deco

altar devotees

Alar dedicated to dead female artists

girl posing in front of altar w/ traditional costume

Rios altar

girl with donkey

friends posing

always time for a drink

Mariachi on the main stage

altar on the lake

Night time tribal dance

hanging with friends & having a drink..

Dee Dee Ramone from The Ramones burial marker

Soldados Borachos

leaving