By Andrew Georgy
Passed down from generation to generation, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, has been celebrated by Hispanic communities as a vibrant event every Nov. 1 and 2. A holiday created over 3,000 years ago, Día de los Muertos commemorates those who died and acts as a prayer or remembrance to friends and family members who have passed.
Celebrations are often joyful despite the seemingly melancholy mood and include skull painting, bread baking, or mask coloring. With November approaching fast, there are plentiful ways to get involved in your community while also participating in the celebrations.
Altars are a common way Día de los Muertos is celebrated, and Santa Ana is a living example. Every year, Noche de Altares is held the weekend off or after the Day of the Dead, with people from all over the state having the opportunity to set up their altars for their loved ones. They’re often meticulously detailed and beautiful with common themes of flowers, roses and candles.
Furthermore, the Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) Spanish club participates in the event annually, meaning you can meet up with friends while supporting an FVHS club.
Currently, the 22nd anniversary of the event is scheduled to begin Sunday, Nov. 2 from 12 to 7 p.m., but you can visit at any time that is convenient for you. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery also puts on a similar show to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.
Additionally, La Plaza hosts a completely free Día de los Muertos family day on October 27 from 4-7 p.m. only an hour away in Los Angeles. Workstations for both children and adults show a wide variety of activities, such as making mini Calavera masks or coloring packets.
The Museum of Latin American Art also holds a free Día de los Muertos celebration. Not only are there the traditional graves and treats, but also a DJ and, as suggested by their name, numerous art shows and galleries to gaze at while you munch down on your pozole. Be careful to check your watch however as you only have until 5 p.m. to take in all the beautiful scenery.
After stopping by MOLAA, you might want to visit the Downey Dia de los Muertos Art Festival. With traditional Folklorico dances, sugar skulls, and food trucks, the event is a must-see if you yearn for a full immersion experience. Furthermore, it lasts from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., meaning you have the opportunity to encounter all the other events.
You can still celebrate with family or friends if you’re not in the mood to go out; you can participate in many engaging and uncomplicated activities from the comfort of your home!
For example, a common type of bread to bake as a tribute to a deceased relative is Pan de Muerto, which originated from Spanish citizens taking bread and wine to cemeteries or churches on All Souls Day. Recipes can be found online, and the ingredients are fairly simple to gather.
Other inside celebrations include creating masks, pintarse la cara (skull face painting) and sugar skulls.
No matter how you celebrate this November, remember to be respectful; take a moment to ponder on your past loved ones and use Día de los Muertos as a way to honor them.
