Día De Los Muertos At Forest Lawn Goes Virtual

Press release from Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries:

September 29 2020

GLENDALE, CA—Forest Lawn will continue its tradition of bringing authentic Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations to the community with this year’s virtual event. On Sunday, November 1, 2020, from 12:00–2:00 PM, Forest Lawn will transform viewers’ homes into majestic spaces for remembrance with marigolds, live and larger-than-life sculpture Catrinas, folkloric dance performances, Mariachi music, a Bob Baker Marionette Theater performance, bilingual prayer and spoken word, a brightly colored ofrenda (altar), and more.

· Folkloric dance performances by Ballet Folclorico Internacional
· Mariachi performances by Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Mexicana
· Bob Baker Marionette Theater performance
· Bilingual religious ceremony led by Father Mario Juarez from Christ Cathedral with Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Mexicana

· Live and larger-than-life sculpture Catrinas

Bilingual religious ceremony led by Father Mario Juarez from Christ Cathedral with Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Mexicana Live and larger-than-life sculpture Catrinas

Forest Lawn’s virtual Día de los Muertos celebration marks the second appearance of six-foot-tall Catrina sculptures, artisanal creations crafted by Forest Lawn’s floral designers and inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. The skeletal women symbolize the return of departed loved ones and are a reminder to be true to oneself and enjoy life. Each of Forest Lawn’s Catrina sculptures has her own personality, with distinct costumes and accessories inspired by the early twentieth century, the time period when Catrinas were first popularized by Jose Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera. In addition to the sculptures, there will be two live Catrinas.

“Forest Lawn will miss welcoming the public to our Día de los Muertos celebration in person, but we look forward to transforming this anticipated annual event into a virtual celebration,” says Rodolfo Saenz, Forest Lawn’s Senior Vice President, Marketing. “Our virtual event will create authentic, at-home experiences for our community, allowing the public to celebrate and learn about Day of the Dead’s distinct traditions.”

Forest Lawn’s Día de los Muertos celebration will take place virtually on Sunday, November 1, from 12:00–2:00 PM. Streaming is available via Forest Lawn’s Facebook page live, and following the event: (https://www.facebook.com/ForestLawn/).

This press release was produced by the Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries. The views expressed here are the author’s own.