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Photo of Self Help Graphics 2008/ Elise Thompson for LAist
OK, so Halloween is over, no more dressing up and having fun. Wrong! The fun never stops! Dia de los Muertos in Los Angeles means days of face-painting, music, giant puppets, sugar skulls and even special bread. So get out there and let the celebration continue!
SUNDAY and MONDAY
The Olvera Street Merchant's Dia de los Muertos has become an increasingly popular event. It is more ceremonial than other events, with a Catholic bent including blessings from the parish priest. Merchants sell sugar skulls, there is free pan de muerto and champurrado, and all of the restaurants are open (We recommend La Luz del Dia). The Novenario procession is beautiful and entertaining. One warning: As everyone gathers around the gazebo, it can get uncomfortably crowded. See last year's event.
MONDAY
Started in 1972, the longest-running Dia de los Muertos event in Los Angeles is presented by Self-Help Graphics . Their annual festivities include a procession, which will meet at the park at the corner of Cesar Chavez and Mednik, continuing to the event's new location at The East LA Civic Center . Festivities include calaca makeup, gallery exhibits, food, mariachis, altars, a food stall and live bands including Ollin and Killsonic. Check out the preparations and last year's event . 5pm-11pm.
NOVEMBER 7
Noche de Altares - the 6th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration in the downtown Santa Ana Fiesta Marketplace will take place next Saturday, November 7th. El Centro Cultural de Mexico is partnering with Calacas Inc. once again to present the event. "For one night, families, students, community organizations, activists, artists, and businesses are invited to build an altar in memory of a deceased loved one or to bring awareness to a social issue." Attendees can also enjoy cultural performances, live music. plus vendors selling art and food. "Finally, attendees will have a photo opportunities with La Catrina , the modern-day icon of Día de los Muertos created by Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada." 2pm - 10pm
ONGOING
The Folk Tree in Pasadena has been hosting an annual art exhibit of Mexican folk art and altars for 27 years. The exhibit will be on display through November 7. The altars this year include group altars built by students from a Pasadena middle school and Jewish elementary day school. Nancy Ann Jones presents an interactive altar where "visitors are invited to write their own messages and tributes"
Other Dia de los Muertos Event Information
Festival de la Gente Unfortunately this year, the largest Day of the Dead street fair in Los Angeles, known for its giant paper mache puppets was cancelled . "Last-minute add-on fees from the City of Los Angeles for public safety and use of Hollenbeck Park were not covered by the City of Los Angeles as they have been in the past."
Last Saturday Hollywood Forever Cemetery held its annual event to continued success. Check out our photo essay .
