Day of the Dead Events in Southern California – NBC Los Angeles

Southern California is preparing to celebrate an ancient Mexican tradition that honors and celebrates loved ones who have left this earth.

Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, but events to kick off the colorful cultural event are planned for October.

The celebration usually honors the life of the deceased with colorful offerings and altars, which may include photographs, favorite foods, candles, flowers, especially the bright orange cempasúchil, confetti and sugar skulls, as well as bread and items that once belonged to the person.

On the first Day of the Dead, also known as All Saints’ Day, deceased children and infants are honored. This day is also known as “Day of the Innocents”.

On November 2nd, All Souls Day, all adults are honored.

Here is a list of some Day of the Dead events:

Los Angeles County

• October 25 – November 2: The Plaza Olvera Día de Los Muertos Festival will entertain the family and feature colorful altars, free sweet bread and ceremonial blessings, and Aztec dancers. Calendar of events here.

• October 26: Hollywood Forever 25th Annual Día de Los Muertos. The largest celebration outside of Mexico will feature more than 100 altars, live music and Aztec dancers. The all-day event has three entry windows. Tickets and dates for events can be found here.

• Oct. 26: Plaza de la Raza celebrates the 14th annual El Velorio with live music, art exhibitions and more. The event is for people aged 21 and over. Tickets are available here.

• Oct. 26: 12th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival in San Pedro. The free event includes altar displays, live entertainment, craft vendors, Catrina costume contests and more. More information here.

• Oct. 26: Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The celebration will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Families can enjoy papier-mâché sculptures throughout Third Street, live folk dancing, mariachi music, and catrinas measuring up to 14 feet tall. More information here.

• Oct. 27: Día de Los Muertos, Forest Lawn, Glendale. At the Glendale and Covina Hills locations, the annual celebration will take place from noon to 3 p.m. The family-friendly event features altars, folk dancing, mariachi music and more. Click here for more information about this free event.

• November 2: Self Help Graphics, Día de Los Muertos, Los Angeles. The organization invites everyone to its 51st annual celebration at the East LA County Civic Center Park from 3 to 8 p.m

Orange County

• October 26: Mainplace Mall invites everyone to participate in the fun activities of this cultural event where families can get their face painted, participate in workshops and enjoy performances, among other things. Click here for an event schedule.

• November 1: Santa Ana Parks and Recreation celebrates the third annual Día de Los Muertos with altars, crafts, face painting, games and snacks for the whole family. The event will be held at the Roosevelt-Walter Community Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• November 2nd: El Centro Cultural de México invites everyone to its 21st^st annual Noche de Altares. The free event will feature altars and cultural performances and live music. Children can have their faces painted and take part in art workshops for free. The event will take place at 4 p.m. from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m^Th Street between Ross and Broadway.