A Spirited Tradition Gains Depth This Year

The Day of the Dead has gained in popularity in the United States in recent years, but it’s based on ancient rituals celebrated by the Aztecs and fused with Catholic ritual following the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards in the 16th century.

Followers believe that on every Dia de los Muertos, their departed loved ones return to share a feast with the living. Offerings of flowers, personal mementos and food are arranged on altars to welcome the weary souls after their journey from the afterlife.

Here are some of the many events taking place in the Los Angeles area to mark this hallowed tradition, which takes on special meaning for many at a time when the nation remembers the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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* Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration at SPARC, the Social and Public Art Resource Center, features a full day of events Saturday, starting with the creation of a community altar at 2 p.m. The public is welcome to bring flowers and photos of loved ones to place on the altar. Also on the agenda: a lecture and slide show titled “Communion with the Dead” by Lara Medina and Gilbert R. Cadena at 2:30 p.m.; a performance by CUICANI reflecting on the “Promise of Faith,” at 4 p.m.; a ceremonial dance and prayer circle by Flores de Aztlan Dance Troupe and All Nations Women at 5 p.m.; a performance of traditional songs in honor of the ancestors by tribal groups accompanied by gourd rattles and clapping sticks at 6 p.m.; and a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Pan de muertos will be served. SPARC, known for its dramatic mural projects, will serve lunch at 3:30 p.m. and refreshments throughout the day for weary souls. Co-sponsored by artist Linda Vallejo. SPARC, 685 Venice Blvd., Venice. (310) 822-9560. * The Here and Now, a celebration with exhibitions, poetry readings and workshops on mask making and sugar skull decorating, is offered annually by Self-Help Graphics, a headquarters for Chicano art in East LA. “Noche de la Palabra,” an evening of spoken word exploring life and death by candlelight with a cup of hot Mexican chocolate, starts today at 7 p.m. Formal celebration starts Friday at 5 p.m. with a procession, craft and food tables and Aztec dancers to mark the opening of the exhibition of installations by local artists and community members. The exhibition, curated by Christina Ocho, continues weekends through Nov. 18. All events are free. Self-Help Graphics & Art, 3802 Cesar Chavez Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 881-6444.

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* Dia de los Muertos Concert with Maldita Vecindad and Panteon Rococo, two of Mexico’s spookiest rock bands, starts at 8:15 p.m. on Friday. The amphitheater’s lobby will be decorated for the event, a first for the venue. Inside, who knows what might happen on stage with bands whose names mean “Cursed Neighborhood” and “Rococo Graveyard.” Promoters promise a “magical and explosive evening” to kick off Maldita Vecindad’s U.S. tour. Call for ticket information. Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. (818) 777-3931.

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* Ofrendas 2001, a gallery exhibition and reception featuring five altars by five artists, opens Friday at 7 p.m. Owner Reyes Rodriguez says the event tries to recapture the days when the Mexican holiday was marked in L.A. primarily by artists, “the impetus” behind the growing popularity of the day. Curated by Linda Gamboa, the exhibition features altars by Sol Alvarez, Sandra de la Loza, Ixrael, Kathy Gallegos and Francesco Siqueiros. An evening of poetry and spoken word follows on Saturday at 7 p.m. with Gamboa and guests. The altars will be on display weekends, noon to 6 p.m., and weekdays by appointment. Tropico de Nopal, 1665 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 481-8112.

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* “Calaveras: A Celebration for the Day of the Dead,” an evening of poetry, music, dance and three new plays, will be offered in Santa Ana. The plays “Una Ofrenda,” “Lloyd and la Muerte” and “Un Beso de Amor (A Kiss of Love),” start today and run through Nov. 11 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets $8 to $10. El Salvador Center, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana. (714) 569-6888.

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* Celebration of Life: Altares y Ofrendas, a monthlong commemoration sponsored by the Pico Rivera Arts and Culture Committee, opens Friday with the city’s fifth annual community altar. A procession starts Saturday at 3:30 p.m., departing from the Pico Rivera City Hall, 6615 Passons Blvd., and ending at the Centre for the Arts with face painters, mariachis, giant puppets and the making of paper flowers. Dr. Miguel Dominguez offers a slide presentation on the history and origins of the feast day on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Altars created by five artists--Margaret Beltran, Raoul A. de la Sota, Ofelia Esparza, Ann Murdy and Olga Ponce--will be on display through Dec. 6. Pico Rivera Centre for the Arts, 9200 Mines Ave., Pico Rivera. (562) 801-4300.

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* Dia de Los Muertos Festival begins Saturday at 9 a.m. with the assembling, raising and decorating of a 10-foot cross in downtown Santa Ana, then continues from noon to 6 p.m. at the nearby Artists Village, 2nd Street and Broadway. Attendance is free. Fiesta Market Place, 4th and Spurgeon streets, Santa Ana. (714) 550-9285.