The big Hollywood Cemetary event may be over, but there are plenty of other ceremonies around town where you can commune with the dead. These are my two favorites.
Self Help Graphics mixes tradition with an artier take on the holiday. This year marks their 39th annual celebration; they were the first Dia de los Muertos public event in the country. Expect food, art, mariachis and live bands. The theme is Recuerdos Que Nunca Mueren (Memories that Never Die) “Every year, on November 2nd, Self Help Graphics’ yearly day of remembering that life is a dream from which, one day we will awaken, celebrates our beloved who are no longer with us. Every year we paint our faces in duality — half calaca and half ourselves, revealing the ancient comedy of life as our ancestors have taught us.” TRADITIONAL PROCESSION: 5 PM Gathering at Mariachi Plaza Kiosko Mariachi Plaza at 1st Street & Boyle to Self Help Graphics & Art. Use Metro Goldline, Mariachi Plaza Stop. Friday, November 2, from 5pm-11pm, 1300 East 1st Street, Boyle Heights 90033. Use the Goldline Metro (Pico/Aliso Stop) – No Parking On Site!
Olvera Street Merchants Association blessings and Novenaria Processions take place along Olvera Street through November 2nd. The participants who wear calaca masks and facepaint dress as the same characters every year. A bride and groom flirt and dance, occasionally batting their eyes at someone in the crowd. Other than than the dancing newlyweds, the shrieking ghost is the only calaca figure to interact with the crowd, suddenly jumping into people’s faces and screaming in a way that is simultaneously terrifying and hilarious. Enjoy champurrado and Pan de Muertos at the end of the procession. Other festivities include face painting, mariachis, and Ballet Folklorico. Note: It is appreciated if you do not photograph the blessings. Directions
OTHER EVENTS:
