Día de Muertos
Our digital Día de Muertos altar celebrates your loved ones
Updated
Día de Muertos is upon us. Though death is central to the holiday, Día de Muertos is a celebration of life. It's an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died and honor their memory.
The traditional way of celebrating is by making an ofrenda — an altar that often features a photo of the person being remembered, candles, foods and items specific to them, cempasúchiles (marigolds), papel picado and calaveras (sugar skulls).
Día de Muertos, which is observed in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, has gained popularity in Southern California thanks to groups like Self-Help Graphics & Arts, which began organizing a public event in the 1970s. Nowadays, you can find Día de Muertos celebrations across the region.
Most, if not all, of these events were canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an alternative, the Los Angeles Times created a digital altar.
The idea was to create a communal space where readers could still have the experience of celebrating their loved ones in public, albeit online. We asked you to submit photos of someone you wanted to honor, along with a memory or anecdote about them. Our initial hope was to get 40 or 50 submissions. We ended up receiving more than 1,000 ofrendas from across the country, and in four languages.
This year, we once again created a digital altar, and the response was equally as humbling. We encourage you to spend some time with these wonderful memories shared with us. Additionally, Wednesday's episode of "The Times" podcast featured audio ofrendas.
Ofrendas
Hover over the cards to see the messages submitted by their loved ones.
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Claudia and Yolanda Baltazar
I honor my sisters together because I hope that they’re together. Hermanas, you are missed. May you feel my love transmit through the inter-webs. We’re ok. May you be at peace.
- Alejandra Baltazar
Los Angeles,Ca
Wim Tensen
Dear Wim The kids and I all miss you so much. So sorry that you didn't get to meet your granddaughter and grandson. Hope you're enjoying your afterlife adventures. XOXO Carol, Nate, Marja, Michelle, Chris, Juju & Frank.
- Carol Tensen
Burbank
Carmen Garcia
My mom was one of the strongest and hardest working women I’ve ever known. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend whose generosity had no limits. She was deeply loved by all who knew her.
- Mónica García
Alhambra
Amalia Fernandez
Te extrañamos, Grama.
- Monica Landeros
Sacramento
Gabriel and Maria Sifuentes
Querida Madre y querido Padre, los adoro y los extraño muchísimo! Papa, gracias por los consejos de la vida para ser buen hijo y Padre para mis hijos. Mamá, no sabe como la extraño. Un beso y un fuerte abrazo mis queridos viejos!
- Jose Daniel Sifuentes
Jurupa Valley, California
Spencer Saviet
My angel love and miss you daddy
- Latifa Saviet
Los Angeles
Maryse Saviet
My angel love and miss you Ma
- Latifa Saviet
Los Angeles
Rosa Ortega
Mama Rosa, Que en Paz Descanses.
- Rene Solorzano
Sylmar
Scott Allison
Dad, grandpa, coach, scientist... you used knowledge to make the world a better place. You taught us adventure, curiosity, perseverance, commitment, and hard work so we could make the world better too. I miss you every day!
- Elizabeth Allison
Albany, CA
Rafael Solorzano
Querido Pop, Que en paz descansas.
- Rene Solorzano
Sylmar
Anthony De La Cruz
Te extrañamos mucho Toñito! Siempre estas en nuestros corazones!??
- Guadalupe Sanchez
Bakersfield, california
Rodrigo Solorzano
Chachi was everyone’s friend. We miss you.
- Rene Solorzano
Sylmar
James Ko
My dad loved to see you smile and he spread joy everywhere he went, with or without his puppets. “Enjoy life,” he’d always say. And, “why not?”
- Mimi Cruz
Anaheim
Sobrino
Siempre recordandote con mucho cariño. Te extrañamos siempre Toñito!
- Guadalupe Sanchez
Bakersfield California
Sabina Cuevas
Grandma, you will forever be in our hearts! Not a day goes by that we don't think about you. Hope you're enjoying lots of happy meals on the other side ?
- Andrea Bautista
La Puente
Robert Thom
Dad I miss you.
- Lillie Thom
Los Angeles
Maria and Gabriel Sifuentes
Querida Madre y querido Padre, los adoro y los extraño muchísimo! Papa, gracias por los consejos de la vida para ser buen hijo y Padre. Mamá, no sabe como la extraño. Un beso y un fuerte abrazo mis queridos viejos!
- Jose Daniel Sifuentes
Jurupa Valley, California
Maria Dolores Sandoval
Thank you for all the love you poured into me every day of my life. I think of you all the time and miss you so much. I wish I could hug you one more time. Descansa en paz…I love you Abue.
- Andrea Quezada
Los Angeles, CA
Raymond B. Perez
Tio, life may not have always been easy, but you were always surrounded by love. Thanks for the love you gave us with every smile and laugh. We rejoice for the peace you have finally found. Rest well and save a place for us.
- Jose Reyes
El Monte, CA
Maria Guadalupe Escobedo
My Abuelita was my favorite person and I’m glad I get my sense of humor from her.
- Carlos Escobedo
California
Frank X
Missya! Luvya Padre!
- Melissa Reitzel
Kincardine ON Canada
Lisa Soto Jimenez
Lisa, we miss you very much and hope you are spending lots of time with your beloved, biological mother in heaven. I am so sorry that your time here on earth ended so soon.... Remembering you today and always. We love you!
- Celina Jimenez
Indio, CA
Hector Navarro
We miss you so much, dad. You always had the best smile. Wish you were still here with us.
- Jocelyn Gomez
Coachella Valley, CA
Clare Reitzel
Luvya Schweetee Dad xoxo
- Melissa Reitzel
Kincardine ON Canada
Ginger and Padraig
Two special people who are deeply missed and loved. Rest in peace and see you when I see you. Their legacy is love.
- Kristine Tobin
Seattle, Wa
Jeff Sanderfield
An amazing Dad, Papa, Husband, Brother, Son, and human. You gave so much to so many and made your mark! There will always be a space that cannot be filled without your big personality and warm smile. We love you always!
- Allison Johnson
Phoenix AZ
Vernon Zbylut
My dad always enjoyed golf, and every time my parents came to California he and I would play a round of golf. We were supposed to play this summer, but it was not to be. I will miss my golf buddy.
- Greg Zbylut
Burbank
Roberto Cabello-Argandoña
Querido Dad, Papá, Wello It's been a year since you left us. I miss you everyday. You are my rock. You came to the US and taught us all to value life, family and education. When you laughed, family and even strangers smiled back.
- Giselle Namazie
Tarzana
Efrain Gonzalez (Dad)
Thank you for teaching me everything I know. Miss you everyday. Rest in Peace, Dad.
- Daniel Gonzalez
Santa Clarita
Dr Micheal Bauer
Remembering my loving son who saved so many lives and brought an end to so much suffering. May he rest peacefully and never be forgotten.
- Linda Bauer
Pasadena Ca
Jose G Ortega
Miss you Dad
- Nessy Ortega
Los Angeles
Jesús Márquez Álamo
Descanse en paz padrino. Lo extraño mucho y dios lo bendiga. Lo quiero muchísimo y feliz día de los muertos. Le mando un abrazo muy fuerte de mi parte.
- Selina Lopez
Albuquerque
Rebeca Pulido
Suegra Rebeca, extrañamos tenerte cerca de nuestra casa y tus nietos preguntan por ti a menudo. Esperamos que ahora estés con Raúl disfrutando el tiempo juntos. Hasta que nos encontremos de nuevo. Que descanse en paz.
- Eduardo Galvez
San Jose, CA
Milton Bluehouse, Sr.
Dad was amazing. Taught us to be tough and kind. Shared Navajo knowledge freely, helping to make life's journey easier for many. Dad was an optimist, always seeing solutions and never giving up. His life is an adventurous story.
- Milton Bluehouse Jr.
Ganado, Navajo Nation (Arizona)
Jim
Father, brother, uncle, grandfather – a true animal lover with a special connection to nature. He sought to connect people, worked tirelessly on causes he believed in, and freely shared his optimism, adventures, love, and laughter.
- Karin H.
New York
Luiz Emilio
We went from dating to parents to husband & wife to exes then the best relationship of all - we became family. You’ve been gone two years. No celebration of your life was had. I celebrate you and think of you and smile.
- Maureen McDonald
Culver Cuty
Javier Mendoza
Siempre te recordaremos ?
- Guadalupe Godinez
3359 W 59th St
Juan Miguel Sanchez
Thank you for bringing laughter and light to my life. Having you as a brother is one of the biggest blessings God has given me. I love and miss you. Keep watching over us, our beloved angel.
- Giselda Sanchez
Irvine
Raquel Saldaña-Cattani
We love & miss you so much, Raquel. We all think about you when the Dodgers play or when Wu-Tang comes on. You are in our hearts today and every day. You would be so proud of your amazing babies. Life is not the same without you.
- Renée Saldaña
Los Angeles, Pomona CA
Raul Pulido
Suegro Pancho, extrañamos tenerte cerca y tus nietos preguntan por ti. Ayer fue uno de tus días favoritos y recordamos aquellos días en los que estuviste aquí. Hasta que nos encontremos de nuevo. Que descanse en paz.
- Eduardo Galvez
San Jose, CA
Ray Trejo
My Uncle Ray was the ultimate jokester. If he was around or on the phone, we were smiling and laughing. We adored him so much and will continue to adore him until forever. I hope you are smiling wherever you are -️ we miss you.
- Jennifer Fidler
San Diego & El Paso
Jeanne Brodsky
Mom, I love & miss you. I wish you could have seen your g'daughter grow up, met our new cat, seen our new house. !*@& cancer. Wanted to share this photo from one of your art exhibits so others could see you as I remember you. xo
- Amy Breyer
California
Eric Hartwell
I hope you’re catching big fish with Grandpa Dave and Uncle Ronnie. We’re taking good care of Badger, he brings us so much joy. I love and miss you so much! Goodnight, love you, Mom
- Jackie Hartwell
Santa Barbara
Joe Stockwell
Dear dad, I was so proud when you received the Legion of Honor for your service in France in WWII. You were hilarious, brilliant, and unforgettable. RIP, Papa. Hope the angels are playing jazz for you right now.
- Anne Stockwell
Los Angeles
Gail Botteen
Gail raised her three children by herself after her WWII veteran husband Ed died in 1955. She was the smartest, funniest person in our family until she passed away at age 97. Without fail, she remembered every birthday.
- Ed Sugden
Spokane, WA
Fred Brown
Uncle Fred remodeled dozens of homes, or built them from scratch, to his wife Judy's specifications, for the over 55 years they were married. As a native of Washington state, Fred loved his family, and his Seattle sports teams
- Ed Sugden
Federal Way, WA
Michele Kort
My wonderful friend, powerful author and editor Michele. We will always love you, sweetheart.
- Anne Stockwell
Los Angeles
Padres, Abuelos, Cuñedo, Amigos, y Mascotas
Extrañándolos, y recordándolos contentos.
- Viviana Navarro
Bakersfield, CA
Nino Cancan and Nina Emilia Corona
Nino y nina, we miss you so much and we remember the good times we spent together. I always remember you both when I listen to Trio Los Panchos.
- Martin Galvez
San Jose, CA
Janet Vincent
It has been 10 years since we lost my mom, Sometimes it feels like longer and sometimes it feels like it was only yesterday. She loved chocolate and moose and her family. We miss her and love when we feel her close.
- Annette Frost
Roseville CA
Alicia Flores
We love you and miss you.
- Vanessa Martínez
Los Angeles
Isabel Vera
Aunque no te conocí en person, te conocí por tantas historias que mi mamá me contó de ti.
- Ruth Alba
Los Angeles
Linda Rodriguez
I miss you so much, amiga. I have been thinking a lot about you lately and want to fill you in on the new new.
- Melyssa Mendoza
San Francisco, CA
Abuelita Amalia
Abuela Amalia, nunca te conocí, pero sé que siempre estás conmigo, sus bisnietos y toda la familia. Me siento segura sabiendo que me cuidas y me guías. Gracias y te amo.
- Briana N
Pomona
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