The annual Día de Los Muertos festival at Hollywood Forever Cemetery will take place on Saturday October 29, 2022 and will feature two separate daytime and evening events. This year’s theme honors Mayahuel, the Aztec Goddess of Fertility and the Maguey (Agave). Immerse yourself in this ancient tradition that honors departed spirits. The cemetery grounds are eerie yet festive, draped in lights that dispel the darkness, an explosion of color and brilliant textures, the scent of marigolds and incense. Art and elaborate alter exhibits with photos, mementos, flowers and fruits that were created by community artists cover the grounds while performances of traditional Mexican Folklorico dance, rituals, and music are played alongside tasty food and drink; a true feast for the senses.
There no time for sorrow-this is a festive and dazzling celebration of death and the deceased, a time of cheerful remembrance. This Día de los Muertos 2022 will help you leave the grief and miseries of recent years in the past and jump start you to summons and celebrate better days ahead.
Día de los Muertos – doors open at 9am PDT.
Noche de los Muertos – doors open at 5pm PDT.
For complete event and ticket information, visit ladayofthedead.com
ABOUT MAYAHUEL:
One of Mayahuel’s legends begins when Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, falls in love at first sight with her as he ascends to the Heavens to battle her evil grandmother, Tzitimitl, a celestial monstress swallowing light into swirling darkness and feeding on the souls of human sacrifices.
Infuriated by the sparks of their passion, evil Tzitimitl pursues the Lovers back to Earth and upon discovering Mayahuel disguised as a tree, rips her granddaughter into a thousand shreds.
Grief stricken, Quetzalcoatl kills Tzitimitl, gathers Mayahuel’s scattered remains and buries them. Heartbroken, he stands guard at her grave as his tears fall on the remains of his murdered beloved. Touched by his sorrows, the other gods add hallucinogenic mushrooms to his pulque to comfort him.
Fed by his tears and their enduring love, the first Maguey (agave) plant sprouts on Mayahuel’s grave. The sweet sap of the agave is evermore the blood of the Goddess – producing pulque and mezcal to forever lesson our miseries and lift our grief.
This Día de los Muertos 2022, we acknowledge the griefs and miseries of recent years as we gather celebrate the Gifts of Mayahuel and summon better days.
