Results tagged “dayofthedead”

Whether you're celebrating Dia de Los Muertos (LAist Event Guide) or nursing a serious day-after Halloween hangover, one way to take away the sting and take part in a cultural tradition is to sip on some Sangrita. No, not Sangria--don't confuse this tomato-citrus-spice sipping drink with the fruit infused wine of tapas bars and lazy summer days. In fact, the Sangrita itself doesn't contain alcohol; it's meant to be sipped alongside a shot of Tequila.

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!

                     

This Saturday evening was the 10th annual Dia de Los Muertos event held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The celebration, with roots deep in Aztec and Mexican tradition, is a 9-day-long festival honoring the lives of the departed through decoration, the erection of colorful shrines, dance, costume, and processionals.

Today Hollywood Forever Cemetery will hold its 10th annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos from 4pm to 11pm. Dia de los Muertos is an ancient Aztec tradition. On Dia de los Muertos it is believed that the veil that separates the living from the dead is lifted, allowing visits from departed loved ones. It is a celebration, not a day of mourning. Altars are erected with images of the dead, their favorite foods, marigolds, calaveras and paper cut-outs to welcome the dead back home.

       

More great photos from LAist Featured Photos contributors on Flickr.

          

This weekend there have been several events open to the public for celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which honors those who have passed away through the creation of colorful altars and costumed processionals. Two major celebrations were at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday night, and on Olvera Street from the 25th through tonight. Our LAist Featured Photos pool contributors shared with us via Flickr some amazing images from the festivities. There's still stuff happening through this afternoon and into tonight, too, if you want to take part!

There's already a ton of cool post-Halloween and pre-Election Day things to do on this Daylight Savings eve, but to top it all off, today is the day that many celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Vibrant and elaborate altars are built to honor loved ones who have passed away, and the event is focused on celebration, not mourning, although one of the chief motifs is indeed calaveras (skulls). Traditions vary from family to family and community to community, but if you'd like to participate in the festivities, there are many large-scale events going on around town today and tomorrow.

November 1st and 2nd are the days set aside to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Originally celebrated in Mexico, it is becoming increasingly common in Los Angeles. The origins of Dia de los Muertos have been traced back as far as Aztec festivals dedicated to the godess Mictecacihuatl. It is now celebrated on the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. It is believed that during this time it is easier for souls to travel back to earth to visit their loved ones. Altars with offerings and refreshments are set up to encourage a soul to visit and to provide sustinence and rest after their long journey back.