I've been curious about "Day of the Dead" for a while. I think that's because as someone who has lost many people, I find connection in the idea that the dead are never truly gone from us. That we should celebrate the lives they lived and keep them close to us always.

After we moved to Los Angeles in 2018, I realized I was not even close to the only one. Mexican culture is a huge part of this city's identity -- to my delight -- so too, are its traditions. Día de Muertos is just one example and few places in the city put on a celebration to rival the one at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Though I'd like to also visit Olvera Street.

These images were all taken at Hollywood Forever. My partner purchased VIP tickets for us to attend and while participating in the dressing up and face painting was meant to be respectful at the same time it was fun, for me it was the conversations I had with families about their altars - that was the most special part of the day. For more about it, and Día de Muertos in general, head to my blog.