Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) 2024 in Los Angeles

The ancient Mexican national holiday, Dia de Los Muertos, is celebrated each year at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where thousands of people in costumes and masks honor their ancestors by dancing among Hollywood graves. In Mexico, the tribute to the deceased is paid on November 1-2. Due to the coinciding dates and similar themes, Dia de Los Muertos is sometimes referred to as Mexican Halloween.

Celebration Highlights

Hollywood Forever Cemetery's Day of the Dead Celebration is a lively cultural event that honors the traditions of Dia de los Muertos. The festival showcases elaborate ofrendas (altars), music, dance, art, food, and vibrant displays celebrating the lives of the departed. In 2024, visitors can look forward to a parade, Children’s Plaza, altars, art exhibitions, Aztec performances, folkloric and traditional dances, cultural performers, arts and crafts vendors, and a variety of culinary offerings.

Traditions

Traditionally, it is believed that during these days, the souls of deceased relatives can visit the living. The living, in turn, really want the souls of their ancestors not to get lost and find their way home. To do this, all around, especially cemeteries, are decorated with special ribbons and lights. They set up candles along the roads to mark the way home for the dead. The main symbol of the holiday is the skull. The most common food these days is sugar skulls, which children adore.

The tradition of the festival also includes creating a special altar for the dead relatives. People bring their favorite things and photos of the dead, candles, tequila, sweets, and sugar skulls. The most common flower on the graves is a bright orange marigold. According to popular beliefs, this flower attracts the souls of ancestors and helps them find their way to their relatives.

Day of the Dead Carnival

The culmination of the festival is a carnival. Many stores in Los Angeles sell special treats, costumes, and masks for this event. And for those who don't have time to buy a mask, make-up artists and costumiers work directly at the cemetery. Latin music plays everywhere, everyone dances and sings—performances are even arranged on the graves. A huge stage is built in the center of the cemetery for a multi-hour concert.

Dates

This year, Dia de Los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, October 26th. Daytime events typically run from 9 am to 3 pm, while nighttime events usually continue from 5 pm to midnight. Note that outside food, drinks, and pets are not permitted.

Prizes & Tickets

Winners of the costume contest can look forward to prizes of $1,000 for first place and $500 for the runner-up, while altar competitions offer $5,000 per category. General Admission Advance tickets are priced at $53.60, including fees. VIP ticket holders gain access to the exclusive VIP Oasis, located at the heart of the event, featuring premium food and beverage vendors, comfortable lounge seating, and a private, elevated area for viewing the main stage. VIP tickets are priced at $212.86, inclusive of fees.

Location

Founded in 1899, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the world's most visited landmarks and the final resting place for numerous Hollywood legends, as well as residents from the surrounding neighborhood and individuals from around the globe. As Los Angeles' most dynamic cultural event center, Hollywood Forever hosts concerts, films, and events annually. Since 2000, the cemetery has partnered with Cinespia to present summer cinema screenings on the Fairbanks Lawn. Additionally, the Dia de Los Muertos celebration held here is the largest outside of Mexico, drawing visitors from all over the world.