Hollywood Forever Hosts a Day of the Dead Preview Event

For more than 20 years, Hollywood Forever cemetery has established an annual tradition that celebrates the Day of the Dead during the last Saturday of October. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a press event where they gave an exclusive preview of this year’s festivities and introduced the theme. It was an evening filled with delightful music, beautiful rituals, delicious food and vibrant décor.

Hollywood Forever announced in August that the theme for the 24^th annual Día y Noche de los Muertos event would be “Máscaras de México – Vida y Muerte en La Máscara,” which translates to “Masks of Mexico – Life and Death in the Mask.” According to the official press release, it will be “an immersive experience that pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and Latin America through the art and symbolism of masks.” Mask-making has played a special role in funerary traditions throughout Mesoamerica since ancient times and this Day of the Dead celebration will highlight this spiritual, indigenous practice.

The press event I attended gave a sneak peek of the vibrant and ornate masks that will be gracing the cemetery. The evening began with a reception in front of the Cathedral Mausoleum. Refreshments were offered, including cocktails from San Bartolo Mezcal Atresanal. Their setup was in the style of an ofrenda decorated with marigolds and candles. I no longer imbibe in alcohol, so I didn’t sample the brand’s offerings, but the mezcal smelled smokey and amazing.

The outdoor décor was vibrant and captured the essence of Día de los Muertos. There were a few displays showcasing a variety of masks, including Calaveras skulls and indigenous masks from the Mexican states Zacatecas and Michoacán. There was also a gorgeous altar situated right outside the mausoleum decorated with colorful skulls, marigolds, fruits, breads, religious artifacts and statues. It made quite an impression.

We were also treated to a lively performance by Las Cafeteras! They’re a Chicano band from East LA whose music blends together Afro-Mexican, electronic and folk music beats. They did a beautiful rendition of “La Llorona,” featuring the violin and a mesmerizing dance performed by one of the vocalists. I can’t express how much I love this song; every version I’ve heard, I’ve enjoyed. I feel it’s become synonymous with the Day of the Dead. They also played a few upbeat, Latin-infused numbers which imbued the atmosphere with so much vivacity.

After the live show, it was time to partake in a special ritual before we entered the mausoleum. The  ceremony was led by a man who’s deeply connected to his indigenous roots and spiritual ways. He paid homage to the farmers who work the fields, to Mother Earth who provides us with her bounties, to his grandmother who taught him the magic of storytelling and to life. We turned to each of the four corners of the world—East, West, North and South—and gave our respects. We bowed and expressed our thanks to Nature, the spirits and our ancestors who came before us. It was a heartfelt and emotional rite. He held a decanter with incense, which perfumed the entrance to the cathedral. Before entering the hall, each of us had to wave the incense fumes towards us to cleanse our energy. It was a moving and powerful experience.

Then, the moment had arrived for the grand feast. I first must talk a bit about the building we dined in. The Hollywood Forever Cathedral Mausoleum is a historic structure with many deceased souls laid to rest inside its walls. I saw some crypts with dates from the 19^th century. I walked through the mausoleum when I attended the Noche de los Muertos event last year, but to dine within this hall was a special experience. It’s decorated with marble, grand statues and various artifacts. I think it was very fitting to have us all dine with the dead on this occasion.

Now for the gastronomical experience. The menu featured dishes from Damian, a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles founded by respected Mexican chef Enrique Olvera. There were two courses and dessert. Appetizers included fresh-made guacamole, ceviche and salmon tostadas with chicatana ants. I must say the tostadas were my favorite. They were such a brilliant shade of orange and the ants, which are native to Mexico, added a spicy flair. My taste buds were tantalized.  

Mole tamales, a green bean salad and duck carnitas were served for the second course. They were each absolutely delicious and packed with so much flavor, or “sabor” as we say in Spanish. For dessert, we were treated to hibiscus meringue and banana leaf flan. The first reminded me of pan dulce because of it’s cookie-like exterior. The flan was a delight with its unique taste. We were definitely well fed, to say the least. The dinner was also accompanied by Don Julio tequila pairings. I didn’t partake, but it seemed the other guests enjoyed the drinks.

A DJ played music while we all dined and talked. There were people from various media outlets present, so it was nice getting to meet and chat with them. A few of the individuals who are responsible for putting the Día de los Muertos event together gave short presentations regarding the significance of the celebration at Hollywood Forever and its history. The woman who inspired Hollywood Forever to host a Day of the Dead festival was also in attendance!

Afterward, I decided to walk around and explore the Cathedral Mausoleum so my food could digest. The masks that will be playing a central role at this year’s “Máscaras de México” event were set up inside and outside the mausoleum. They were huge statues painted in brilliant shades and wearing lively expressions on their faces. It’s going to be exciting seeing them grace the Day of the Dead festivities this year.

I’m beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to attend this special preview for Hollywood Forever’s Día y Noche de los Muertos celebration. It will take place on Saturday, October 28^th and will feature separate daytime and nighttime events. It’s been announced that the Colombian band Bomba Estéreo will be headlining and performing on the main stage in the evening. Tickets are on sale, and I’ll include links below.

Where to Stalk

Los Angeles Día de los Muertos official website

Hollywood Forever Día de los Muertos

Day of the Dead Event Tickets