Forest Lawn’s Virtual “Día de los Muertos” Brings Traditions Home

Marigolds and an alebrije (spirit animal) adorn an altar at Forest Lawn’s Day of the Dead (Photo – Forest Lawn)

Building upon the success of last year’s virtual event, Forest Lawn will once again bring the tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to the community.

By News Desk

On Sunday, October 31st, 2021, from 12:00 – 1:30 PM, Forest Lawn’s authentic celebration will activate a virtual altar of remembrance directly in community members’ home spaces. Viewers of all ages will find delight and reflection in folkloric dance performances, Mariachi music, a brightly colored ofrenda (altar) featuring alebrijes (spirit guides), colorful marigolds, larger-than-life Catrina sculptures, and more.

Highlights

Highlights for the Día de los Muertos celebration include:

• Colorful and folkloric live dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Internacional
• Mariachi performances by Alexander Cruz and Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Mexicana
• Beautiful Catrina and alebrijes artworks
• Larger-than-life human Catrinas
• Exquisite ofrenda presentation
• Holiday cultural expressions: a live interview with Fr. Mario Juarez from Christ Cathedral

This year’s event will be a mixture of live performance and exciting recorded performances. It also marks the third appearance of six-foot-tall Catrina sculptures, artisanal creations crafted by Forest Lawn’s floral designers and inspired by Día de los Muertos celebrations. The skeletal women symbolize the return of departed loved ones and are a reminder to be true to oneself and enjoy life. Each of Forest Lawn’s Catrina sculptures has her own personality, with distinct costumes and accessories inspired by the early twentieth century, the period when Catrinas were first popularized by Jose Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera. In addition to the sculptures, there will be four live Catrinas.

“Virtual events have allowed Forest Lawn to continue the community connection that is at the core of what we do,” says Rodolfo Saenz, Forest Lawn’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “The virtual Día de los Muertos event will bring us together, even when we can’t be together in person, which is, in some ways, fitting for a holiday celebrates remembering loved ones we cannot be with.”

Forest Lawn’s Día de los Muertos
Sunday, October 31, from 12:00 – 1:30 PM.
Streaming via Forest Lawn’s Facebook page live: (https://www.facebook.com/ForestLawn/).