Welcome!

Rose Hills Memorial Park, the largest cemetery in the world, will open its gates on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm to celebrate the 2nd Annual Dia de los Muertos Cultural Festival & Marketplace.  Together, we will embrace the rich culture and mystic beauty of the tradition of bringing to life the memories of loved ones with dignity and respect. We will share these memories through the creation of beautifully crafted altars and invite you to participate in a day that pays tribute to this ancient festivity. Join the celebration with a tapestry of color, art, music and flavor at the majestic hilltop with breathtaking views and home to SkyRose Chapel, courtyard and surrounding garden.

Join us and become part of a new tradition in the city of Angels!

A bit of History on the Tradition

The origin of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos in Mexico, dates back to the time of the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, such as the Aztec, Maya, Purépecha, Nahua, and Totonac. In the pre-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth. Death was viewed as a transition between life on earth and a new life in the hereafter surrounded by the Gods.

During the conquest of Mexico by Spain, the efforts to convert indigenous peoples to Catholicism moved the ritual and belief to coincide with Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. As the friars introduced religion, art and pictures, these became part of the indigenous rituals and were merged with ancient rites and beliefs. The result was a merger of beliefs and tradition that became today’s celebration of the dead.

Dia de los Muertos in Mexico is a colorful and festive event that is unique to other cultures. Flowers, gifts, fruits, candles and music are offered to honor the memory of loved ones. The Dia de los Muertos feast and celebration as we know it today was born of the fusion of two cultures.