Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Celebration

Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and joyful celebration observed in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. This holiday, which takes place on November 1st and 2nd, is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Far from being a somber occasion, Dia de los Muertos is a festive and colorful event filled with music, food, and beautiful traditions.

One of the most iconic symbols of Dia de los Muertos is the calavera, or sugar skull. These intricately decorated skulls represent the souls of deceased loved ones and are often created as offerings. They are made from sugar, brightly painted, and placed on altars called ofrendas. These altars are meticulously arranged with photographs, favorite items, and food and drinks that the deceased enjoyed while they were alive. The ofrendas are a way for families to create a space that welcomes the souls of their loved ones back into their lives for a short time by sharing stories and memories of each loved one together as a family.

Flowers, particularly marigolds, play a significant role in Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Families often create paths of marigold petals leading from the cemetery to their homes or use them to decorate the altars.

Food also holds an essential place in the Dia de los Muertos festivities. Families prepare traditional dishes such as pan de muerto, a sweet, skull-shaped bread decorated with powdered sugar. Other culinary delights include sugar skulls, tamales, mole, and plenty of traditional Mexican dishes. These offerings are shared among family and friends as a way to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away.

In many communities, Dia de los Muertos is not just a family affair but a communal celebration. People gather in cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. The gravesites are adorned with candles, marigolds, photographs, and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. Families come together to share stories and memories, praying and singing alongside the graves. Parades and processions are also an integral part of Dia de los Muertos celebrations. People dress in elaborate costumes and paint their faces to resemble the sugar skulls. These parades showcase the vibrant colors, music, and dancing that are synonymous with this holiday. The streets fill with lively music, as marigolds color the street with vibrant life and wonderful fragrance.

Join us as we follow these same traditions and allow us a day to honor and remember those who have passed on. On this day, we all can partake in a wonderful tradition while also celebrating with our families our loved ones resting in our park.

Parking

As you may have experienced from last year, we can get filled up quickly. Only Handicap placard holders will be allowed to park inside our park. Everyone else must find a spot on the street, or use our free shuttle service by parking at Cesar Chavez Elementary School on Gage, just west of our park. More information provided below.

Cesar Chavez Elementary School

6112 E Gage Ave

Bell Gardens, CA 90201

Shuttles will arrive every 15-20 minutes on both ends.