Extra Credit: Dia de los Muertos

The picture above shows a double-headed serpent indicative of the day’s indigenous roots.

On November 24^th I had the opportunity to attend a Dia de los Muertos celebration in Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles. There were probably more than fifty decorative altars and installations on display made by different artists from Los Angeles. The park featured traditional Mexica- Aztec dance performances, food, and altars and large-scale installations/sculptures that showed how the displays have evolved over time and has been celebrated in different time periods. Altar subjects ranged from personal stories which celebrated families, loved ones, community challenges, immigration, violence and education. They explored connections between the traditions and the daily lives of residents from all over Los Angeles. It was beautiful to see various communities’ come together to honor loved ones that have passed. The altars were colorful, unique, creative, and beautifully decorated with various flowers. There was fruit, pan dulce, chile verde, chile rojo, nuts and maiz. Traditionally, many of the ofrendas consist of the things that the loved one enjoyed while still alive. It has been was great to see how Grand Park has dedicated its space to support the community. Overall it was a great a experience that I got to share with family and friends.