Photo: Asha Moné for Gloria Molina Grand Park.
L.A.’s annual Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos celebration will transform the park into a vibrant, nine-day ancestral experience from Saturday, October 25, through Sunday, November 2, 2025.
This year’s theme expands beyond honoring the spirits of loved ones lost to actively raise awareness of the traumatic experiences of Los Angeles County’s immigrant communities recently targeted by federal immigration raids. The celebration aims to be a healing space, reminding attendees that community and spiritual roots are essential in the face of adversity.
All events are free and open to the public.
A Healing Space for Remembrance and Resilience
“The theme of this year’s Día de los Muertos is a ceremonial response to the everyday struggles and resilience of immigrant families who face displacement, detention and deportation,” said Robert Gonzalez, director of Gloria Molina Grand Park. “As we come together in remembrance of loved ones, we must also remind ourselves our roots are not only cultural, but also spiritual. ‘The park for everyone’ will be a healing space for all who are seeking to bridge generations, our communities and our histories.”
The centerpiece of the event is the exhibition of ofrendas (altars), curated for the fourth time by local multimedia artist and educator Consuelo G. Flores.
“The federal immigration raids have left me disturbed and in disbelief—that is why this year’s altars will be focused on the legacies of our immigrant past,” said Flores. “We cannot disregard the many important contributions that immigrants have made to the United States… Each altar will pay tribute to those who have passed and celebrate the strength and perseverance of all immigrant communities seeking safety, dignity and opportunity.”
The altars, created by local artists and community organizations, will feature traditional vibrant marigolds, candles, photographs, and mementos honoring ancestors while celebrating the strength of L.A.’s immigrant communities.
Key Dates and Highlights
Opening Celebration: Saturday, October 25 (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
The festival kicks off as part of Grand Ave Arts: All Access. The day begins with a sacred processional honoring the tradition’s Indigenous roots, including blessings by Ohtli Yollotl.
The music lineup features cultural organizer Osmar Romero’s El Marchante and Mariachi Las Catrinas. A formal dedication will also take place to acknowledge the park’s legacy in memory of former L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina, who helped create the 12-acre green oasis. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities like printmaking, face painting, and sugar skull crafting.
Closing Night: Noche de los Muertos, Sunday, November 2 (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
The celebration culminates with a luminous Noche de los Muertos festivity, illuminating the path between life and death through light, music, and culture.
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Headliner: Two-time Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist Lupita Infante will headline the four-hour festival.
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Music: L.A.-based band Boleros with Attitude (BWA)will also perform, fusing the vintage Bolero sounds of Mexico’s Golden Era with hip-hop.
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Activities: The evening will feature an Aztec ceremonial dance, a mercado (market) of local artisans, and art-making activities where participants can create colorful lanterns and play with marigold dye.
For more information, visit grandparkla.org and follow Gloria Molina Grand Park on social media @grandpark_la.
