Day of the Dead in Los Angeles 2008

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 maché 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. Here are a few of the biggest.

Festival de la Gente
LA's biggest Day of the Dead street fair with giant paper mache puppets. Live music, art displays, children's activities.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Nov 1-2, 2008, 1-9 pm
Where: Barker Block, 519 S Hewitt St., LA 90013
Cost: Free
Info: www.festivaldelagente.org

The Olvera Street Merchants Dia de los Muertos
Nine nights of processions through the Olvera Street Mexican market at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic site followed by free pan de muerto (sweet bread) and champurrado(a Mexican hot beverage).
When: Processions Oct 25 -, Nov 2, 2008, 7 - 9pm; Fiesta Nov 1-2, 10 am - 9 pm
Where: The Gazebo on Olvera Street, El Pueblo Historical Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, LA, CA
Info: (213) 625-7074, www.olvera-street.com
Metro: Union Station

El Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Sacred ceremonial tributes, altar creations and performances among some of Hollywood's most famous celebrity graves. Food will be available for purchase.
When: Saturday, Nov 1, 2008, 4-11 pm
Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Parking: Check the web site for nearby parking.
Info: (323) 447-0999, www.ladayofthedead.com

Dia de Los Muertos at Self Help Graphics
One of the city's longest running and most authentic celebration of the Day of the Dead, this East Los Angeles community arts celebration includes a procession, crafts, traditional food an entertainment. A blessing of the altars takes place the week before and mask-making workshops are held for several weeks before the event.
When: Procession and festival Nov 2, 2008, 12:30 pm - 11 pm; Procession Decorating 12:30 - 3:30, procession 4 pm
Where: Participants are asked to meet at Cinco Puntos (Cesar Chavez & Lorena) by 4:00PM. The procession will proceed to Self Help Graphics & Art, 3802 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue at Gage.
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Info: www.selfhelpgraphics.com, (323) 881-6444