produced by VANESSA WILSON
Every year people gather at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in observance of Dia de los Muertos. The traditionally Mexican holiday, which celebrates the lives of those who have passed, has been adopted by several outsiders; many of whom describe it as an honorable way to remember their loved ones. Mexican custom dictates that on the blessed day of November 1st, the spirits of the dead are allowed to visit the realm of the living in order to reunite with their family and friends for one day. Ampersand’s Vanessa Wilson spoke with Melissa Gomez, Kimberly Garcia Gomez and Megan Green about how they commemorate their loved ones.
& EXTRA
Wondering why participants paint their faces on Dia de los Muertos? Ampersand asked Shawna del Real Hernandez of Sugar Skull Makeup for the scoop.
Also meet the people featured in this sound portrait & explore Dia de los Muertos’ colorful altars and adornments in this photo essay by Christina Campodonico.
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Melissa Gomez stands in front of her altar dedicated to her and her husband's grandparents. -
A giant catrina is paraded through Hollywood Forever Cemetery during a procession honoring the dead.
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An altar dedicated to pets comes to life as a breeze blows through Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Designer Ricardo Santos' Altar for AIDS awareness with models displaying his handmade dresses.
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A skeleton-masked flower seller roams Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Shawna del Real Hernandez of Sugar Skull Makeup creates beautiful masks on the faces of attendees.
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Shawna del Real Hernandez's face paints are laid out at her make up stand.
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A festival attendee dons a brightly colored feather head dress.
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Kimberly Garcia Gomez & Anthony Rodriguez stand beside Kimberly's altar for her grandmother.
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Amber Allison elegantly poses in her hand made hoop skirt.
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Model Gabriel Isabella Aguilar displaying a Ricardo Santos dress.
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Flowers and streamers adorn Melissa Gomez's colorful altar to her and her husband's grandparents.
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Vanessa Wilson, Dancer preforms traditional Aztec ritual
photos by CHRISTINA CAMPODONICO