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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Free weekend? 6 ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos (map)

A woman paints a girl's face for Dia de los Muertos.
A woman paints a girl's face for Dia de los Muertos.
(
GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images
)

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| MAP of events by Erick Huerta | VIDEO of face painting by Self-Help Graphics |

Celebrate Día de los Muertos, popularly known as the Day of the Dead, with friends and family to remember those who have died this weekend. There are plenty of celebrations in store for Angelenos: Join Olvera Street's procession, purchase authentic art, hang with mariachi singers and catch a children's folklorico performance. 

Here's everything you need to know (scroll to the bottom for the ultimate map of activities):


1. 14th annual Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

(Photo: Luz Gallardo/Flickr)

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Wear your best Calaca attire and get your face painted with elaborate skull designs at Hollywood Forever Cemetery's Day of the Dead celebration. View hundreds of altars decked with photographs, candles and mementos of loved ones (learn how to make your own altar here) and partake in a craft lesson with the kids courtesy of LACMA. Be prepared for a day of Mexican cuisine, large processions and skeleton costume contests. Vocalist Saul Hernandez will headline the live performances. 

When: Noon to midnight Saturday

Where: Hollywood Forever | MAP

Price: $15; children under 8 years and under free until 4 p.m.; seniors 65+ free until 4 p.m.


2. San Pedro's Dia de los Muertos Festival

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(Photo: Loren Javier/Flickr)

Honor the memory of the deceased at San Pedro’s Waterfront Business District. Enjoy live mariachi music from Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas, along with a taste of Latin American cuisine. Kids can create their own artistic masterpieces at the La Muerte Vive! Art Area — here's a print out coloring exercise for those who want to get a head start.

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday

Where: Historic Downtown San Pedro at the LA Waterfront | MAP

Price: Free


3. Downtown Dia de los Muertos

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Grand Park

Experience the real Día de los Muertos with food trucks, face painting and live music at DTLA's Grand Park. View 40 uniquely decorated altars and learn the true history and origins behind the festival at the History & Traditions Zone. Expect to see lots of traditional music and mesmerizing dance steps.

When: 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday

Where: Grand Park | MAP

Price: Free


4. Day of the Dead on Olvera Street

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(Photo: fivedollarones/Flickr)

Take a walk down the famous Olvera Street, where you'll be greeted by vendors, traditional dancers and an array of accessories and jewelry symbolizing and honoring the dead. Join a procession and enjoy one of the many community altars delicately constructed by Angelenos. Enjoy folkloricos and learn about the rich history of the celebration with delicious food and live music.

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Olvera Street | MAP 

Price: Free


5. Mix and Mingle with LA Schools

Attend the LA Schools Mix and Mingle event Friday and enjoy an evening filled with live music, games, prizes and delicious food. All proceeds will go towards after-school music programs for students at Los Angeles Unified School District.

When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday

Where: 333 South Boylston Street | MAP

Price: Free 


6. 30th Annual Dia de los Muertos exhibition at the Folk Tree

(Photo: Folk Tree/Facebook)

Find great deals during the ultimate trunk show featuring Day of the Dead accessories and jewelry at this Pasadena gallery Saturday. Get up close and personal with artisans as they discuss the stories and inspiration behind creating their unique altars. Hand-crafted glass ornaments will be available for purchase. Expect a live performance from the Children's Ballet Folklorico Acoiris from Pacoima. 

When: 12:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Folk Tree, Pasadena| MAP

Price: Free


Map created by Erick Huerta, also known as @ElRandomHero on Twitter

View Ultimate 2013 Día de los Muertos Event Guide in a full screen map


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