The agenda of celebrations for the Day of the Dead and Halloween covers the last week of October and the first days of November. Whether you want to experience the tradition of honoring the departed or experience a night full of terror and surprises, these are the best seasonal events to commemorate in California.
Celebrate Day of the Dead at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The cemetery presents its traditional “Day and Night of the Dead” event, which includes different activities. The daytime part of the agenda includes entertainment for children, such as a folk dance show, a display of traditional altars, and craft and food vendors. While the night part of the event will feature performances by artists such as Bomba Estéreo, Bratty, Banda Las Angelinas and Camila Fernández.
In addition, DJs will perform on the Sombras stage and, on the Azteca, pre-Hispanic dances and traditional ceremonies will take place. Everything will take place on October 28, starting at 9 in the morning, in the cemetery located on Santa Monica Boulevard, in Los Angeles. Tickets are on sale on the venue’s official website, their cost starts at US$35.
Nine days of festival in Placita Olvera
Today the activities planned by the merchants of Olvera Street begin, which include the theatrical production “The Dance of Death”, a five kilometer race, catrina makeup stands, an exhibition of traditional offerings of the Day of the Dead and a procession, which is led by an Aztec group that carries out a ceremonial blessing.
The novena activities organized by the residents of the neighborhood are, for the most part, free. The offerings are set up starting on October 28, in a community activity, in which local residents participate and welcome people with sweet bread and drinks. The complete agenda is available on the site Olvera Events.
Honor the dead with mariachi in Santa Ana
Altars, catrinas and entertainment are part of the “Viva la vida” Day of the Dead festival, organized by the community of Santa Ana in Orange County. The event, which promises to be a cultural encounter with the roots of this tradition, will feature performances by Mariachi de Oro and Mariachi Los Altos, as well as Mariposas del Alma and los Incrédulos del Norte. The date for this free party is November 4th, starting at 1 pm, on 4th Street, between Broadway and Ross, in Santa Ana.
Knott’s Scary Farm turns 50 and celebrates terribly big
Attractions, haunted houses and spooky mazes are part of Knott’s Scary Farm park, which to celebrate Halloween and its first five decades, presents a horror programming with three brand new mazes, plus four live shows and five scare zones. The activities begin at 7 pm, in the park located at 8039 Beach Blvd., in Buena Park. Tickets are on sale starting at US$59.99. The park’s official site states that it is not recommended to attend with children under 13 years of age.
Follow the trail of illuminated pumpkins in Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns
If you’re looking for an activity for the whole family, check out Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns’ display of stages illuminated by hundreds of carved pumpkins. Between screens and lighting, this place is a magical setting where you can take incredible photographs. The little ones will be amazed by the recreation of a pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons and, of course, Halloween scenarios with hay, pumpkins and scarecrow. The show runs through October 31 at Whittier Narrows Park Recreation Area. The cost of the ticket starts at US$19.99.
Concerts for Day of the Dead in California
The weekend also includes three presentations by Latin artists that could be the perfect excuse to celebrate life. This October 26, Manuel Turizo will be at the Peacock Theater. The 27th, Prophetic culture will be presented at the Fonda Theater on Hollywood Blvd. While on the 30th of the month, Julieta Venegas will perform live at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
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