LOS ANGELES, California — Los Angeles brought its community together at Gloria Molina Grand Park for the annual Downtown Día de los Muertos. The festival consists of decorations and altars for the day.
Maria Cornejo captured the festival’s celebration for Presence News. Her coverage documented the decorations, community participation, and activities throughout the festival.
Día de los Muertos is an important holiday in Mexico and one of the main traditions in the country aimed at remembering deceased relatives. It is marked every year on November 1 and 2. The holiday has roots in Indigenous traditions in Mexico and incorporates elements of Catholic observances.
Traditional Altars Honor Loved Ones
A focal point of the observance was the exhibit of customary altars called ofrendas in Gloria Molina Grand Park.
These included photos of those who passed away, festoons, and bright orange Mexican marigolds.
Visitors could also leave written messages and letters as personal tributes to people they remembered.
People make use of altars filled with beloved foods and mementos to commemorate the personal attributes and memories of their loved ones.
In the exhibition of 2026, seventeen altars were displayed and dedicated to the deceased by artists, members of the family, and other organizations. Each altar expressed its unique view of the concept of remembrance. These traditions are aimed at celebrating the Day of the Dead.
An additional altar was created for honored animals, allowing visitors to remember their pets. The display focused on the bonds formed between humans and their pets.
Family Activities Celebrate Cultural Traditions
The event also provided several activities to involve visitors of varying ages.
A part of this particular event included the decoration of sugar skulls, which are an essential symbol of the Día de los Muertos.
The skulls feature colorful designs that people use to decorate during celebrations.
The activities gave families opportunities to learn about cultural traditions while participating in the celebration together.
Live Music Brings the Community Together
Music was also one of the significant contributing factors during the celebrations that took place at Gloria Molina Grand Park.
Among the performers were Lxs Cochinxs and The Negrete Family. Both groups added a considerable amount of fun during the event.
Music made the presentations even more exciting and provided additional fun.
A Celebration of Remembrance and Community
The celebration of the Downtown Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park allowed the people who visited the park to reflect on the relevance of remembering those who have passed away. It also encouraged honoring traditions.
The festival brought together members of the Los Angeles community through a number of installations and altars. Moreover, there were various games for kids and performances lined up for this day.
Presence News reporter Maria Cornejo documented how cultural traditions, artistic displays, and community activities came together during the celebration. Altogether, these elements made this celebration a unique ceremony.
Editor’s Disclaimer: This article is based on event coverage provided by Presence News reporter Maria Cornejo. Event details and descriptions reflect the 2026 Día de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles, California.
