An attendee embodies a traditional catrina at the Boyle Heights Community Block Party Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Jacqueline Ramirez.

The Eastside came alive with color this weekend as communities gathered to honor the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos.

The annual celebration that honors loved ones who have died also brings vibrant altars adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls and cherished memories to homes and celebrations across the city.

We captured scenes from three Día de los Muertos celebrations on the Eastside displaying community artwork, elaborate altars and dressed up catrinas with ornate skull faces.

Self Help Graphics & Art‘s 51st Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration

An ofrenda at Self Help Graphics’ Día de los Muertos celebration honors pets who have died. Photo by Jessica Perez.
A dog is dressed as an alebrije, an artisanal sculpture of fantastical creatures, at Self Help Graphics’ Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Jessica Perez.
Ofrendas feature marigolds and paper picado at Self Help Graphics’ Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Jessica Perez.
A woman is dressed as a catrina wearing a black lace veil and painted skull face at Self Help Graphics’ Día de los Muertos celebration at the East L.A. Civic Center. Photo by Jessica Perez.
A man sets up a candle on an ofrenda by the East Los Angeles Women’s Center at Self Help Graphics’ Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Jessica Perez.

1st Street Business Association and CaminArte Día de Muertos Community Block Party

An attendee embodies a traditional catrina at the Boyle Heights Community Block Party Día de los Muertos celebration, complete with intricate makeup and an adorned hat. Photo by Jacqueline Ramirez.
An altar displayed at CaminArte as part of the Boyle Heights Community Block Party Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Jacqueline Ramirez.
The altar featured sugar skulls and candles. Photo by Jacqueline Ramirez.
An altar honors the life of Born X Raised founder Chris ‘Spanto’ Printup at the Boyle Heights Community Block Party Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Jacqueline Ramirez.

Attendees display their calaca wear (left). Nico Avina, owner of Espacio 1839, (right) wears a signature Día de los Muertos shirt for the celebration. Photo by Jacqueline Ramirez.

Plaza de la Raza’s Día de los Muertos Celebration

An altar honors the life of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela at Plaza de La Raza’s Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Brenda Perez for Boyle Heights Beat.
A sand art tribute to Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela at Plaza de La Raza’s Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Brenda Perez for Boyle Heights Beat.
A performer impersonates singer Juan Gabriel at Plaza de La Raza’s Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Brenda Perez for Boyle Heights Beat.
A truck is decorated for Plaza de la Raza’s Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Brenda Perez for Boyle Heights Beat.


Boyle Heights Beat is a bilingual community newspaper produced by its youth "por y para la comunidad". The newspaper and its sister website serve an immigrant neighborhood in East Los Angeles of just under 100,000. Read more about our team

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *