HOLLYWOOD FOREVER’S "DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2024" RETURNS TO AN ALL-DAY EVENT, OCT.26 2024

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER’S
DÍA DE LOS  MUERTOS 2024
RETURNS TO AN ALL-DAY EVENT, OCT.26 2024

Photos by Karen Ostlund

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA October 4 2024)
                                                                               

Grupo Folklorico.

                                                                                  

Altar 64.

Step into the mystical world of Tonas and Nahuales—spiritual guides and guardians central to indigenous Mesoamerican cultures—as Hollywood Forever’s Día de los Muertos returns for its 25th edition, October 26th. The gates opens at 10 AM for an all-day activities into the heart of Mesoamerican tradition.This year’s artwork by the visionary artist, Antonio Fuentes, captures the magic and mystery of Tonas and Nahuales. His  hand-carved and painted Xoloitzcuintli sculpture is the centerpiece of this year's event art.

The history of TONAS AND NAHUALES:
In the Zapotec tradition of Oaxaca, each person is born with a Tona, an animal counterpart that shapes their destiny, sharing its traits with them. Alongside the Tona, the Nahuales serve as spiritual guardians, often taking animal form. According to legend, some powerful beings can even shapeshift into their Nahual under the veil of night, embodying their animal spirit. This celebration honors these sacred bonds, illuminating the deep connection between our physical and spiritual realms.
Xolotl - the hairless dogs of the Aztecs - ruled over the sunset, lightning and death.  According to creation stories, humans and xoloitzcuintlis were formed from the same Bone of Life. Xolos are a gift to humans to guard them in life and guide them through the stages of the afterlife.
                                                                          

Costume contestants.

The 2024 exhibition of Haitian Vodou Flags - with beaded and sequined wall hangings - will feature gods and goddesses from the Vodou pantheon, and cross cultural exploration of the Haitian Vodou Spirit of Death and Guide to the Afterlife – Baron Samedi—often depicted as a skeleton figure in top hat and black tail coat smoking a cigar and guzzling rum.

                                                                               

Altar musicians.

                                                                                    

Johnny Ramone's Altar.

Performances:
This year, the stage will be set by an extraordinary lineup:
Pedro Fernández – Bringing the soulful essence of Mexican ranchera to life, his voice will guide you through the celebration like a true spiritual guardian.
Los Lobos – The legendary rockers who blend Chicano rock with traditional Mexican sounds, they’ll transport you to the very soul of the festivities.
Reyna Tropical – Formed as a duo in 2016, and now the solo project of guitarist and songwriter Fabi Reyna will immerse you in their tropical rhythms, echoing the vibrant energy of Tonas.
Ambar Lucid – With her ethereal voice and dreamy tunes, she’ll serenade your spirit, bridging the physical and the mystical.
El Santo Golpe – Their explosive beats will make you dance to the rhythm of your Nahual, awakening the ancient spirit within.
Tania Libertad – Her powerful voice will channel the essence of transformation, resonating with the wisdom of the ages.

For more information visit ladayofthedead.com
                                                                                

                                                                     Pane dei Morti.