Día de los Muertos

Forest Lawn will bring traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) customs to life with in-person events across its four Southern California locations. The community celebrations will honor the memories of the dead while illuminating the rich history of the Mexican holiday with vibrant altars, larger-than-life Catrina and alebrijes (spirit guides) art works, folkloric dance and Mariachi performances, arts & crafts, face painting, and refreshments. The free, family-friendly events take place on Sunday, October 29, 2023, in-person from 12:00-3:00 PM at Forest Lawn’s Cypress, Covina Hills, and Glendale locations. 

Highlights for the Día de los Muertos celebrations include: 

• Folkloric dance and Mariachi performances
• Bob Baker Marionette performances at Covina Hills, Cypress, and Glendale locations
• Community ofrendas (altars) presentations
• Traditional Catrina and alebrijes (spirit animals) art works
• Arts & crafts, face painting, and refreshments
• Food trucks and carts with delicious offerings

This year continues live performances. It also marks the fifth appearance of six-foot-tall Catrina sculptures, artisanal creations crafted by Forest Lawn’s floral designers and inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. The skeletal women symbolize the return of departed loved ones and are a reminder to be true to oneself and enjoy life. Each of Forest Lawn’s Catrina sculptures has her own personality, with distinct costumes and accessories inspired by the early twentieth century, the time period when Catrinas were first popularized by Jose Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera. Alebrijes spirit animals will accompany the Catrina sculptures, along with live Catrinas at select locations.

Photo courtesy of Forest Lawn.