Go Metro to EIGHT FREE events for the Day of the Dead

We have big events coming up for The Day of the Dead – one of the largest and oldest celebrations in Mexico, where loved ones who are no longer with us are remembered and honored. But while the word “death” often evokes sadness and pain, this holiday is joyful because it celebrates the return of the dead to the world of the living.

According to tradition, altars are the portals that allow this crossing. This spiritual ‘visit’ is particularly special, which is why people decorate the altars with confetti, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and photographs of deceased family members. You’ll also often see food, drinks, candles, and incense on the altars.

Although the roots of this celebration go back centuries, movies like The Book of Life (2014) and Coco (2017) have made this festivity known everywhere –– and especially in Los Angeles. That’s why we have compiled a list of eight FREE events where you can celebrate, learn, and commemorate the Day of the Dead –– that you can easily reach by train or bus with Metro.

Go Metro to EIGHT FREE events for the Day of the Dead | The Source (1)

Gloria Molina – Grand Park

For almost two weeks, 19 altars made by professional artists and local community organizations will be on display in Grand Park. At the event, which has been held for 12 consecutive years, the community will help set up the 20th altar to honor the Monterey Park victims of gun violence and those who died during the wildfires in Maui.

When: From Saturday, October 21 to Thursday, November 2
Where: Gloria Molina Grand Park – 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Time: Altars will be on exhibit all day
Go Metro: Take the B (Red) / D (Purple) Line subway to Civic St./Grand Park OR take the A (Blue) or E (Gold) to Historic Broadway.
For more information visit here

Olvera Street

For nine days, Olvera Street will host a variety of events. One of them is a theatrical presentation called ‘The Dance of Death,’ where you can learn in an entertaining way about the history of the Day of the Dead. The presentation will be followed by a parade with Aztec dancers to honor loved ones.

Plaza de la Cultura y Artes

If you are looking to explore the cultural and historical meanings of the Day of the Dead, this is the right place for you! There will be live music, dance, food for sale, and art workshops.

When: Sunday, October 29
Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes – 501 N. Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Time: 12:00 pm

Go Metro: Take the B (Red) / D (Purple) / A (Blue) Line subway to Union Station
For more information click here

Glendale – Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries

The cemetery, which opened in 1906, will have a dedicated space for altars, folk dancing, and a mariachi performance.

When: Sunday, October 29
Where: Forest Lawn Memorial Park – 1712 S. Glendale Ave. Glendale, CA 91205
Time: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Go Metro: Take the bus 94 to Brand / Eulalia OR bus Line 180 to Brand / Los Feliz.
For more information click here

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Canoga Park

Spanning several blocks on Sherman Way, the festival will highlight several altars and feature live folkloric performances and Aztec dancers. It will also have a variety of food carts, craft sales, chalk art, and even a classic car show. You can not miss this!

When: Sunday, November 5
Where: On Sherman Way, between Canoga Ave. and Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park, CA, 91303
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Go Metro: Take the G (Orange) Line to Sherman Way OR take the bus Line 162 to Sherman Way / Owensmouth.
For more information click here

Art in East LA

For those who want to express their creativity, Self Help Graphics & Art has prepared several community art workshops that will take place every weekend at the East Los Angeles County Library. You will be able to learn how to make papel picado and paper marigolds. You can also create your own ‘calaca’ and decorate a pre-made calaca magnet. The event is free, but it is recommended that you register in advance to reserve a spot (use the QR code in the picture below). The workshops are in English and Spanish and wheelchair accessible.

When: Saturdays, October 14, 21 and 28
Where: East Los Angeles County Library: 4837 E. 3rd. St. Los Angeles, CA 90022
Time: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Go Metro: Take the E (Gold) Line to East LA Civic Center Station
For more information click here

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Festival at Sunset Boulevard 

The outdoor celebration will be full of color, music, and tradition. The Purépecha group, originally from Michoacán, will be selling traditional food from that part of Mexico. The event will feature traditional altars and will have singers, dancers, and artisan craft sales.

When: Saturday, October 28 AND Sunday, October 29
Where: 4810 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles 90027

Time: 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Go Metro: Take the B (Red) Line to Vermont / Sunset.
For more information click here

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Santa Monica

If you like catrinas, put a visit to Santa Monica on your Day of the Dead list. Artist Ricardo Soltero will display catrinas sculptures that are up to 14 feet tall. He will also unveil another large-scale piece called an alebrije – a brightly colored folk art sculpture that represents fantastical creatures. Ricardo’s alebrije will take the shape of a giant chihuahua.

When: Thursday, October 26 to Sunday, October 29
Where: 1300 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA, 90401
Time: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Go Metro: Take the E (Gold) Line to Downtown Santa Monica
For more information click here
The main celebration with altars, dances, food and more will be on Saturday, October 28.

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