Gloria Molina Grand Park Transforms Into Sacred Sanctuary for Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition

Downtown Los Angeles has transformed Gloria Molina Grand Park into an illuminated, sacred civic sanctuary for the 2026 presentation of Downtown Día de los Muertos. Running from October 24 through November 2, the free outdoor cultural exhibition invites residents and visitors from across the region to honor departed loved ones and celebrate living community connections.

The annual event features a wide array of cultural highlights, beginning with a sacred processional and blessings led by Ohtli Yollotl to honor the holiday’s Indigenous roots. Visitors can also engage in family-friendly activities, including traditional face-painting, sugar skull workshops, and wellness offerings provided by community partners such as the Children’s Institute. Participants attending the exhibition are invited to leave personal remembrances at the central community altar.

Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated annually on November 1 and 2 to honor the lives of those who have passed away. Cultural belief surrounding the holiday holds that the spirits of ancestors return to visit the living during this time. To welcome them, families and communities construct ofrendas, or offerings, at gravesides or in homes, incorporating photographs, favorite foods, water, salt, candles, and bright marigolds intended to guide the spirits safely home.

Among the displays at Gloria Molina Grand Park is a striking La Catrina figure created by students from Panorama High School, showcased by teacher Manny Velazquez, 67. Altars throughout the park have been constructed in memory of many notable figures who have passed, including former Los Angeles Supervisor Gloria Molina, artist Betye Saar, and former employees of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

The opening of the altars drew numerous visitors and participants. Lisa Markidis received traditional La Catrina makeup at the official opening event, while visitors like David Dunlop, visiting from Carpinteria, photographed the installations, including The Wall Las Memorias altar. The opening ceremonies also featured Diane Zuniga with the Ohtliyollatl Collective burning sage to bless the grounds, Jesus Rios filming student-created art pieces, and Jair Hernandez attending in traditional Azteca attire.

Consuelo G. Flores serves as the altar artist and curator for the Gloria Molina Grand Park Día de los Muertos altars, helping shape the downtown Los Angeles exhibition into a space for remembrance and reflection as the ten-day cultural event continues through November 2.