The City of Santa Monica will celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) this Saturday, Nov. 2, the Mexican holiday where family and friends gather to honor and celebrate loved ones that have passed.
The celebration will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery from 11 am to 2 pm and will focus on the traditions that make up this celebration of life and death.
The event is free and open to all. Parking and bike valet are also free.
The event offers a variety of ways for participants to learn about the philosophy and history of the day including an opening procession with Ketzaliztli Aztec dancers.
There will also be a workshop to create offerings of marigold coronitas (crowns) and papel picado (perforated paper) for loved ones who have passed, self-guided tours of the cemetery that explore the history of local famous people, a documentary on how a small town in Mexico prepares for the celebration, a traditional Nahuatl ceremonial blessing and musicians performing throughout the cemetery to honor those who have passed.
Woodlawn Cemetery is situated on 26 acres and has views of the Santa Monica mountains and ocean.
The cemetery has been serving the community for over 100 years and is owned and operated by the City of Santa Monica — one of the few municipally-owned cemeteries in California. The city purchased the cemetery in 1897 and it is considered one of the city’s most important historical resources.
Woodlawn Cemetery, Mortuary & Mausoleum is located at 1847 14th Street, Santa Monica.
