Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead in Los Angeles

Halloween isn't the only thing going on this season. Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is the Mexican celebration of All Souls Day. Traditions include caring for the graves of family members, building elaborate altars to loved ones who have passed on and celebrating the dead with processions, dances and music. Calaveras, or skulls show up in masks, costumes, paper mache puppets, and candy, including sugar skulls that children decorate for the day. Every Mexican community in LA has their own festivities, from family events at local cemeteries to neighborhood block parties. Check out my guide to Day of the Dead in Los Angeles.

Photo © 2003 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com