East L.A. Residents Gather at Calvary Cemetery to Honor Loved Ones

Hundreds of residents from East Los Angeles gathered at Calvary Cemetery on Thursday for a free community celebration of the Day of the Dead. The event, organized by Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of Los Angeles, marked the twelfth consecutive year the tradition was held at the site. Attendees walked through a space filled with more than 70 community altars, traditional food, face painting, and live music.

The day began at noon with a bilingual mass followed by a procession through the mausoleum. During the walk, more than 50 people participated, many wearing traditional clothing from Mexico and other regions. The group sang songs such as "Te vas Ángel Mío" while Mariachi Las Catrinas played. Dancers led the way, and some participants carried photographs of their deceased relatives. Cempasúchil flowers covered the graves, and the scent of copal incense filled the air.

Brian McMahon, director of Community Outreach for Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, stated that the cultural celebrations allow communities to honor the lives of their loved ones in a unique way. He noted that the event unites cultural traditions, art, and prayer while fostering reflection, connection, and healing.

At the mausoleum steps, a sawdust carpet depicting the Virgin of Guadalupe honored the 495th anniversary of her appearance. Inside, families decorated graves and waited for a priest to bless them. Fausto Flores, assisted by his six children, built an altar for his wife, Maria Isabel Sanchez. The pair spent a day and a half decorating the display, which was filled with candles illuminating her photos.

Flores said the tradition comes from his ancestors, who believed the dead visited every year. He explained that he prepares enchiladas, her favorite dish, to feed her spirit after its long journey. Flores has honored his wife’s memory for five years since her passing. He described feeling a void inside but found peace in visiting her grave. He expressed concern that younger generations are losing the tradition due to changing customs, but he values the spiritual connection it provides.

Paulina Hernandez, also from East Los Angeles, finished decorating the grave of her daughter, Yesenia Rodriguez. Yesenia, 34, died in a motorcycle accident last year. Hernandez’s daughter’s grave was buried under cempasúchil flowers. Hernandez lit copal and a candle before praying. She said the soul and spirit never die and that the flowers and candles illuminate the path for loved ones. Her daughter’s best friend brought cookies, a breakfast sandwich, and gelatin, items Yesenia enjoyed.

Ana Pescador, a staff member at Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries, called the event a special place where the community feels safe to celebrate traditions. She described it as a moment of reflection to show love to those who have passed and those who remain. She said the gathering demonstrates family unity and the beauty of the tradition, allowing people to live in peace and prayer despite societal challenges.

The next scheduled events will take place on November 7 at San Fernando Mission Cemetery and Santa Clara Cemetery. Other Day of the Dead celebrations are planned throughout Southern California in the coming week, including festivals in MacArthur Park, Woodlawn Cemetery, Mission Hills, Canoga Park, Pico Union, and Boyle Heights.