Music, dance, colorful memories and altars — this was the Día de los Muertos celebration from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries.
The free event, celebrated Saturday, Oct. 28 at Calvary Cemetery in East L.A., honors the Mexican-Catholic tradition of the Day of the Dead, or All Souls Day. A news release said that the lives of the deceased are honored and celebrated through song, prayer and vibrant ofrendas, or altars of offering. The event was an opportunity for families to celebrate a tradition that unites their faith and cultural heritage.
A Mass was celebrated by Msgr. John Moretta, pastor of Resurrection Parish in Boyle Heights, followed by a procession around the cemetery’s mausoleum accompanied by a mariachi band. Over 50 ofrenda altars, built by local families and church ministries, were blessed and on display at the main mausoleum.
A large-scale community altar, built by the cemetery staff, celebrates the lives of their patrons, deceased personnel and members of the East L.A. community, the release said. Thousands of marigolds, symbolizing sunshine and light, adorned the altar, as well as traditional elements like pan de muerto, Mexican candies and fruits.
Other highlights included calavera face painting for kids, crafts, performances from Mariachi Octavo and Mila and Friends folkloric dancers, and local art showcaes from sacred art specialist Lalo Garcia and other local artists.
A special, poignant element of the celebration honored the late Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, who was fatally shot at his home earlier this year.
A sawdust carpet, adorned with O’Connell’s image being embraced by Our Lady of Guadalupe, was created live by an artist from Guanajuato, Mexico.
A special ofrenda dedicated to the late, beloved bishop is on display at the Calvary mausoleum. Over the last week, the altar was created by staff who worked with him in the large area where he served, the San Gabriel Pastoral…
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