Scorpio season is upon us, and that means Día de los Muertos is just around the corner. In this special early-in-the-week edition of GTFO!, we bring you something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a traditional community celebration with ofrendas, something for joggers, or something a bit more on the unconventional side. Here is your guide to Day of the Dead events in Los Angeles, only from L.A Taco. So … get the f**k out of the house!
Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap]n Angeleno staple, the 19th annual Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is taking place Oct. 27. This year is special because the Aztec goddess Coatlicue, or mother of the gods, is going to be honored during this classic celebration. There will be traditional Aztec dancers, Mexican cuisine, performances from Grammy award-winning musicians, and of course a plethora of altares. Get more details about this beautiful and surreal celebration of departed loved ones here.
Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
When: Oct.27
Dia De Los Muertos at El Pueblo Historical Monument
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]his nine-day celebration gives you a little over a week to experience a blend of pre-Columbian Aztec and Mayan traditions, as well as Catholic rituals. There will be a traditional Novenario procession with a Mayan cleansing before and after, Aztec dancers, and a parade of “living muertos.” Pan dulce and champurrado will also be provided. Get more details here and here.
Where: El Pueblo Historical Monument
When: Oct. 25th - Nov. 2nd
Lucha Vavoom: Circo De Vampiros
[dropcap size=big]F[/dropcap]olks that like things more on the wild side would probably feel right at home at Lucha Vavoom, a delicious mix of Mexican Luchadores, burlesque, and comedy. The show has been running for 15 years and has been consistently captivating crowds with its high doses of extravagance. Definitely the place to be if you love displays of over the top theatrics, athleticism, and of course, wrestling. Lucha VaVoom will be held at the Mayan on Oct. 24 and 25. Get more details and tickets here. Also, see Erwin Recinos’s coverage of last year’s extravaganza here.
Where: The Mayan DTLA
When: Oct. 24th and 25th
Labyrinth Art Show
[dropcap size=big]E[/dropcap]xperience artwork from 100 artist under UV Light in this surreal pop-up maze. Artists will be present in the maze as an “interactive form of connecting or living inside art pieces.” Astrid Anderson, co-producer of the art show told L.A. Taco that she hopes Labyrinth can be a way "to educate people on our culture.” You can also get a snapshot of the event on their Instagram page here. Get tickets and details here.
Where: 414 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
When: Oct. 26th
The 7th Annual San Pedro Dia de los Muertos Festival
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]f you’re trying to get a little ocean air during the festivities, the San Pedro 7th Annual San Pedro Dia de Los Muertos might be the place for you. This year, the festival will include a Jose Cuervo Tradicional bar and Tequila garden. There will also be live entertainment including Mariachi Divas, Salt Petal, and Kotolan! Admission is free, but you need a ticket to get in. Entrance into the bar and tequila garden is also free but you need to be 21+ and have a valid ID. Get details and tickets here.
Where: 398 West 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
When: Oct. 28th
Carrera de los Muertos Los Angeles
[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]e know that some L.A. Taco readers (and taco lovers) are also avid runners. The 2018 Carrera de los Muertos Los Angeles might be the vibe for you. Why not get the old cross-country team together and go for a fun run? Or if you’re more of a serious runner, join the competitive 5k. The run begins early Saturday morning, starting and ending on the historical Olvera Street and goes through Chinatown. Get more details here.
Where: Olvera Street.
When: Early Saturday morning, Oct. 27th
Mariachi Divas at Forest Lawn
If you’re in the San Gabriel Valley area; Grammy Award winners, the Mariachi Divas, will be giving a free concert from 12pm - 2pm before a Dia de los Muertos Mass at Forest Lawn. Come and watch this all female Mariachi group perform! Get details here.
Where: Forest Lawn - Covina Hills
When: Oct. 28th
A Frightfully 'Fintastic' Fishy Fest
[dropcap size=big]Y[/dropcap]ea, we aren’t thrilled by the “Fintastic” moniker either, but this could be a perfect fit for folks with kids (or kid siblings) that are really into all things fish. The celebration takes place Oct. 25th through 26th at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium both days from 12:30pm to 5pm. There will be family friendly events, including a tour of glowing fish in the “glow-in-the-dark deep-sea laboratory”. More details here.
Where: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (beach level)
When: Oct. 25 to Oct. 26th
