Altar Entry Form >>

altar participants

Welcome! We are proud to announce the 11th annual "Dia de los Muertos" at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Thank you for your interest with participating in creating an altar. The altars are the soul of the event. This year the event will take place on Saturday, October 30th, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Important notice !
Please note that merchandise selling at the altar sites is strictly prohibited. Violators will be evicted.

Altar Contest

1st prize $3000, 2nd prize $2000, and 3rd prize $1000

2009 Altar Contest  WINNERS

1st place - Daniel Alonzo
2nd place - Jamie Quintero
3rd place - Alma Felix

To assist in making certain this event runs smoothly we have outlined the following rules and instructions:

To reserve altar site you must submit $50.00 refundable deposit. Make the check to "Hollywood Forever". Mail the check to 7527 Waring Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Please include your telephone and email address. Once your check is received you will be given altar site reservation. Your check will be returned on the day of the event. Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance of the event to receive your deposit check. Please be respectful of the altar space by bringing large trash bags to clean your space. Please do not leave a trace of trash. Altar spaces not left clean of trash and debris will not return the following year. All participants must sign a waiver which will be collected on the day of set up. We STRONGLY encourage you to start your altar the evening prior to the event, or at least drop off your altar supplies. You can start as early as Friday at 5 p.m. You are allowed to work through the evening. On Saturday, October 30th, you must be inside the cemetery by 10 am at the latest. You will not be allowed to enter the cemetery after 10 pm – NO EXCEPTIONS. This is a Fire Department requirement. Please plan ahead, arrive organized and as early as possible for an enjoyable setup-experience. Thank you. Once you enter the cemetery find your name and numbered space, unload your supplies and IMMEDIATELY MOVE YOUR CAR to the designated parking spaces. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Arrive on time for we have turned away late entries. This is painful! The Fire Department doesn't allow the burning of candles! You can illuminate your altar with battery operated lights. You purchase them at the following venues: Moskatel's 738 S. Wall St. LA 90014 phone 213.689.4590 Floral Supply Syndicate (located next to Moskatel's). We will hold the Altar Contest with prizes for 1st prize $3000, 2nd prize $2000, and 3rd prize $1000. The winner will be announced at the main stage at 8:45 p.m.

We want to thank you for your participation with this amazing event. We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions please contact me. Thank you.

Celine Mares - Creative Director
phone: 323.653.2383
celine@LAdayofthedead.com

Creating your Altar

One of the key elements of Dia De Los Muertos revolves around ofrendas, or offerings, which are created through a visual display of altar-making and grave decorating. The offerings, a main focal point of the observance, echo the dedication and distinct love that is presented toward the dearly departed. Altars can be created through a wide spectrum of dedications, depending on one's creative desire. The altar includes the four main elements of nature - Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.

Earth is represented by the crop: The soul is fed by the various earthly aromas. Placing fruit or favorite family dishes on the altar provides nourishment for the beloved souls. Wind is represented by a moving object: Paper- Mache is commonly utilized to represent the echoes of the wind. Water is placed in a container for the soul to quench its thirst after the long awaited journey to the altar. Water is also used for the means of purification. Fire is represented by a wax candle: Each lit candle represents a loving soul, and an extra one is placed for the forgotten soul. Copal - Incense burned to commemorate Pre-Columbian history. The Cempasuchitl-Marigold known as "The flower of the dead" blossoms in the valleys of Mexico during the months of October and November with a bright yellow color and is central to altar decorating. This flower aids the spirits to wander back. Pictures are widely used in honor of the individual you are paying homage to. The Skull - The common symbol of the holiday is the skull which is celebrated and represented by decorative masks called calacas. In addition sugar skulls are also tastefully created and inscribed with the names of both the honored and living recipients on the forehead as a means to remind us of our own mortality.

"Death closes the gates of time, and opens those of eternity."
Capuchin-Friars