Historic Pine Avenue to Rainbow Lagoon was bustling with the clopping sound of horses ridden by Mexican cowboys, the brassy notes of mariachi trumpets, folkórico dancers brushing the sky with swift hand movements as they held onto their vibrant-colored skirts, and the cheers of thousands of people who gathered to celebrate Long Beach’s annual Día de los Muertos festival.
For the first time in its history, the festival kicked off with a parade featuring colorful floats, classic cars, ballet folklórico dancers, and Catrinas and Aztec dancers. Although the parade was scheduled to begin on Third Street, the crowd of people stretched all the way down to Sixth Street, where some of the floats appeared to come from.
If you didn’t know, Long Beach is hosting its Dia de Los Muertos event today in the and for the FIRST TIME EVER, it kicked off with a grand parade on Pine Street. pic.twitter.com/Yo6onkDYnn
— Fernando Haro (@FernandoAHaro) November 5, 2022
Costa Mesa resident Laura Hernandez, along with her 7-year-old daughter, wore traditional Mexican garments with a floral headdress to the celebration.
Hernandez, who is from Tepatitlan, Jalisco, said the event was an experience she’s always wanted to share with her daughter.
“La quiero exponer siempre a la cultura Mexican porque quiero que conozca sus raíces y quiero que vea otra parte de nuestra cultura aunque estemos aquí en Estados Unidos,” Hernandez said. “I always want to expose her to Mexican culture because I want her know her roots and show her a different part of our culture even if we are here in the United States.”
Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is widely observed in Mexico, and in some other parts of Latin America, as a way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
The celebration takes place from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, with the first day traditionally being used to honor children who lost their lives while the second day is dedicated to adults.
To honor the dead, families create an altar, known as “ofrendas.” Food, toys, water and marigolds are usually placed on the altar, along with pictures of the deceased.
Belmont Shore Christmas Parade to return; application deadline approaching