Dia De Los Muertos

Yesterday we went to the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Dia De Los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It is noted as the Nation's Largest Day of the Dead Festival. Boy they are not kidding by the time we left there must have been well over 20,000 people there.

We got there about 4:30 in the afternoon. We were going in early to meet up with Josh and Vickie and Evie. When we walked in we were greeting with a man playing some eerie accordion music..it was very Tim Burton- esque..in fact the whole day was.
We walked along this Long path through the graveyard to get to the main grass field. Next time we will bring a whole set up with us. People had blankets and coolers and lawn chairs and parked on the grass to watch the bands and shows.

We stopped to get a couple of Margaritas and the kids a Churro then we sat and watched a few bands and people watched while we waited for Josh and Vickie to arrive. Ava meet a little boy her same age and they were running around playing. I am kinda bummed that I didn't get pictures of her in her little Mexican dress...I will on Nov first though.

We walked around a bit and stopped at a kids tent where Parker had a plaster skull he painted. It came out good. It was getting dark now and we walked to get some food and more margaritas..there was this little tiny girl dressed like a nun and she was So cute. A bunch of people were stopping to take pictures with her..I got this one but it came out really dark. You will have to click on the picture to see better..probably like all the rest of the night shots..I hope I get a new camera...

After we sat on the grass and ate of food the night fell we went to see all the Alters and the aroma of sage,incense,fresh flowers,candles begun to fill the air. We went to meet up with Greg and Maria at the Johnny Ramone grave site.

Here is a few alters I took pictures of...

Then the big Calaca's were out and got in a circle where everyone gathered and dance while others played wind instruments.

They did this right in front of the mausoleum where they had more Calacas displayed.

There was a TON of vendors that were selling awesome items.

This was a cool one.

This was Gabe and the kids watching the dancing Calacas..Ava was in such awe with everything!!

The whole entire cemetery was just loaded with Alters and music and people walking all over the place...I must have walked miles there.

Here was a alter tribute to fallen surfers..

and here was one for Vampira

Photo Op..Here is the Ellman family

And us the McCaffrey's

More alters...

and more

I really liked this one

This one was a tribute to a Patron who took care of abandon,relinquished and homeless animals..

Anyways as it got later it got more and more packed so we were headed out back to Greg and Maria's place for drinks and food. Maria made some awesome Mac and Cheese and some kick butt chili with pumpkin cornbread. We had such a great time yesterday. Next year I want to totally paint my face and dress up!