The Dia de Los Muertos event at MacArthur Park hosted by Music, Arts and Community Los Angeles (MAC·LA) was kicked off by a procession led by Project for the Arts and Dreams of Indigenous Oaxacan Heritage (PADIOXH), Homies Unidos and the Westlake Theatre Community Alliance.

At the MacArthur Park bandshell, performers like PADIOXH danced while others like Aurora Nohemi Chaj Haz sang to the crowd.

Just outside the bandshell attendees were greeted with an altar created with support from students from Otis College of Art and Design as well as a canvas mural by Marlené Nancy Lopez made from stories of members from the community.

Attendees danced, had their faces painted and enjoyed the overall atmosphere surrounded by marigolds and vendors.

Members of PADIOXH, Homies Unidos and the Westlake Theatre Community Alliance led a procession to the MacArthur Park Bandshell. (Courtesy of Jennifer Gill)
An ICE agent doll lies on a bed of marigolds at an altar at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
Jesus Alonso Granadas poses for a portrait with marigolds at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
Deane Gonzalez poses for a portrait at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. Gonzalez was part of a bike ride with BikeLA from Downtown to MacArthur Park. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
Jasmine Desenclos, left, paints the face of Rosario Argueta, right, at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. Desenclos was invited by Homies Unidos to paint skulls on attendees faces. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
A view of some skulls and other Dia de Los Muertos crafts for sale at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
An altar created with community at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
(L-R) Zoe Moon Shack, Laura Shack, Hezekiah Shack, and Bella Shack pose for a portrait at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
Aurora Nohemi Chaj Haz sings at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
Attendees dance during a performance by the Project for the Arts and Dreams of Indigenous Oaxacan Heritage (PADIOXH) big band at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)
An altar honoring those who have passed way including Alberto Gutierrez Reyes who died under custody ICE at the MacArthur Park Bandshell in Westlake in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2026. (Isaac Ceja/The LA Local)

Job title: Reporter - Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake

My background: I first started reporting in Los Angeles 3 years ago covering small businesses, immigration, housing, and more at La Opinión through the California Local News Fellowship. After that I started freelancing with different outlets focusing more on arts and culture, community and food.

What I do: I’m a reporter on the Koreatown, Pico Union, and Westlake team where I look forward to telling stories of the immigrant community, moments of joy, and the issues affecting people’s everyday lives.

Why LA?: The people, the food, the music history, and the movie theaters.

The best way to contact me: My email is Isaac@thelalocal.org.

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