Exploring New Orleans’ Unique Cemeteries

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

One of New Orleans’ distinct characteristics is its cemeteries. Mausoleums populate the landscapes of the city’s graveyards, encapsulating the remains of families, notable individuals, and numerous citizens. During my trip to NOLA, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of historic burial sites—St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Metairie Cemetery. I was in awe of the elaborate architecture and sentimental significance behind these landmarks of death.

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Celebrating El Día de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Vamp Jenn at the Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Vamp Jenn at the Día de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Since 2000, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles has been home to the largest Día de los Muertos celebration outside of Mexico, and I attended for the first time this year. For 2022, the festivities centered on Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility and the agave plant. There were separate daytime and nighttime events happening, and I went to the latter, Noche de los Muertos. It was an evening filled with beautiful performances, rituals, altars, and so much more.

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