The festival includes an altar contest and homemade costumes. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

On Saturday, Nov. 1, Hollywood Forever will welcome families, friends and neighbors back to its sacred grounds for the 26th anniversary Día de los Muertos celebration. What began a quarter century ago as a heartfelt offering has grown into one of Los Angeles’ most treasured cultural traditions – embraced and sustained by the majority Latino community that now calls Hollywood Forever their final resting place.

In response to the current moment, this year’s commemoration will be in a more intimate, community-centered format. Hollywood Forever remains deeply committed to creating a space of remembrance, reflection and cultural pride, while keeping safety and collective care at the heart of the gathering.

The 2025 celebration will honor the essentials that define Día de los Muertos – altars, memory, food, dance and storytelling.

Highlights include dozens of altars created by returning artists, honoring ancestors with creativity, devotion and love; Aztec dancers, carrying forward ancient traditions of blessing and ceremony; select culinary and artisan vendors, sharing the flavors and artistry of the community; two outdoor screenings of Disney Pixar’s “Coco” on the Fairbanks Lawn, presented in collaboration with Disney+ and Hulu; a spectacular drone show following the 6:45 p.m. “Coco” screening; annual altar contest, with prizes of $5,000 (first place), $2,000 (second place) and $1,000 (third place) – winners will be announced before the evening “Coco” screening.

For information, visit ladayofthedead.com. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd.