Metrolink Matters Dating back hundreds of years, Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) is celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world. During the multi-day holiday, family and friends gather to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Traditions include building ofrendas (private altars), enjoying the favorite dishes and drinks of the departed and visiting graves with mementos of the deceased.
There are multiple events located throughout Southern California happening now through the weekend, and many are within walking distance of Metrolink station.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL – OLVERA STREET (OCT. 25 – NOV. 2, 2018)
Located at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Olvera Street is one of L.A.’s most popular tourist destinations, home to a colorful marketplace, restaurants and some of the city’s oldest landmarks. For more than 30 years, the merchants of Olvera Street have celebrated the annual Día de los Muertos Festival. The pre-Columbian Novenario Procession is held nightly on Olvera Street from Oct. 25 – Nov. 2 beginning at 7 p.m. Before and after each candlelight procession, Mayan blessings and cleansings will be offered. Following each procession, free pan de muerto (sweet bread) and champurrado(Mexican hot beverage) will be served. Community altars (“las ofrendas”) will be on display in the Plaza Oct. 28 – Nov. 2. There will also be daily live entertainment and weekend face painters that will turn you into a calavera.
Take Metrolink to LA Union Station and Olvera Street is across the street!
DOWNTOWN DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS – GRAND PARK (OCT. 28 – NOV. 4, 2018)
Grand Park celebrates the traditions of Día de los Muertos with multiple ways to experience and learn about the holiday. In partnership with Self-Help Graphics & Art and Lore Media & Art, the park will present 50 altars and art installations created by local artists and community groups that reflect the theme Looking to the Past to Build the Future. The park will offer free guided tours, which will highlight the artwork and discuss the traditions of the holiday.
From LA Union Station, transfer for FREE to the Metro Redor Purple Line to Civic Center/Grand Park!
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION – SUN VALLEY YOUTH CENTER (NOV. 1, 2018)
Join Sun Valley Youth Arts Center on Thursday, Nov. 1 for the annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a fun filled evening of art workshops, student art exhibit, refreshments, and entertainment for the entire family. The public is invited to participate in the community altar by placing an image/printout of a loved one who has passed on the altar. Taking place from 5-8 p.m., the free celebration concludes with an amazing ritual dance by Danza Temachtia Quetzacoatl.
Take Metrolink to the Sun Valley Station on the Antelope Valley Line!
Dia de los Muertos: A Night of Community & Culture – Anaheim Downtown Community Center (Nov. 2, 2018)
Come one, come all, to Dia de los Muertos: A Night of Community & Culture! This FREE event benefits Project S.A.Y. (Support Anaheim’s Youth) Development Program. There will be a LIVE mariachi band, arts and crafts, altars, vendors, and food.
Riverside Day of the Dead – White Park (Nov. 3, 2018)
Now in its 14th year, the annual downtown Riverside festival celebrates the dead with altars all along White Park. The day will start with a 1 p.m. procession and include a La Catrina pageant, a chalk art competition and live music.
