Day of the Dead in Los Angeles 2011

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.

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.Families are encouraged to come by Friday evening and Saturday morning to watch the altars being created. Arrive early to find the best parking.
When: Saturday, Oct 22, 2011, 2-12 pm, procession at 2 pm
Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90038
Cost: $10, children 10 and under Free
Parking: Check the web site for nearby parking.
Info: (323) 447-0999, www.ladayofthedead.com
Photos: Hollywood Forever Day of the Dead Pictures

The Olvera Street Merchants Dia de los Muertos
Nine nights of Novenario 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, 2011, 7 - 9pm; Fiesta Muertos Oct 28-29, 2011, 10 am - 8 pm
Where: The Gazebo Plaza on Olvera Street, El Pueblo Historical Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, LA, CA
Info: (213) 625-7074, ww.ci.la.ca.us/ELP/
Metro: Union Station
View Day of the Dead Novenario Photos
Olvera Street Photo Tour

Dia de Los Muertos at Self Help Graphics
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: Workshops Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, 2011 12 noon - 3 pm; Exhibition opening Oct 28, 2011; Procession and festival Nov 2, 2011, 5pm - 11 pm;
Where: Workshops at 1300 East 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, Procession leaves from Mariachi Plaza (E 1st St, Boyle and Pleasant Ave)
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Info: www.selfhelpgraphics.com, (323) 881-6444

El Monte Dia de los Muertos
A free family celebration sponsored by the Nuvein Foundation at the Valley Mall outdoor shopping center in El Monte with 50 altars created by local artists, Aztec and folklorico dancers, music and spoken word artists.
When: October 29, 2011, 12-5 pm
Where: The Valley Mall, 10933 Valley Mall, El Monte, CA
Cost: Free
Info: http://nuvein.org/diadelosmuertos/

24the Street Theatre Dia de los Muertos
A celebration of those who have passed on, including art, music, dance and calaveras puppet theatre and food at the 24th Street Theatre.
When: November 2, 6-10 pm
Where: 24th Street Theatre, 1117 West 24th Street, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Info: www.24thstreet.org