Merchants on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles are celebrating Dia de los Muertos this week in a festival that continues through Sunday, Nov. 2.

The festival, which has taken place for nearly 40 years, celebrates the tradition of honoring departed loved ones.

Events are held every evening, with daytime entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays. Displays of “ofrendas” — altars made to honor loved ones who have departed — are exhibited 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. At 6 p.m. nightly, there’s a theatrical performance by Teatro del Barrio that tells the story behind the holiday.

The 7 p.m. nightly procession include a traditional Mayan blessing, an Aztec group with incense and ceremonial blessing, Aztec dancers and “living Muertos” (people dressed as skeletons). Free sweet bread and beverages will be

See Full Page