Day of the Dead at Calvary Cemetery, a rich traditional celebration that brings joy and hope

On October 29th, Calvary Catholic Cemetery at East Los Angeles welcomed hundreds of guests who came to celebrate El Día de Los Muertos. The festivities brought together many families who, united by their faith, gathered at our sacred grounds to remember their loved ones who passed away. As part of this unique Catholic and cultural tradition, Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries (CCM) respectfully showcased community altars with a spirit of reverence, remembering those souls who are no longer in this world. Also, the altars and dedicated ofrendas installed outside and inside Calvary's mausoleum are beautifully decorated with symbolic elements such as marigold flowers (cempasuchil), food, photos of the deceased, candles, and incense to represent the dimension of those who departed. 

Altars were dedicated to those who have died due to the coronavirus, essential workers, the soldiers who died heroically defending the homeland, souls who were crossing the border migrating for a better life, innocent lives lost to abortion, school shootings, homelessness, mental illness, and human trafficking. Msgr. John Moretta, the pastor of Resurrection Parish in Boyle Heights, blessed the altars. 

In addition to the Day of the Dead observance, visitors enjoy Aztec dancers, vibrant artwork, folkloric ballet, mariachi music, and handicrafts for the children's enjoyment. In addition, CCM offered delicious refreshments to the public, including the traditional pan de muerto (dead bread) donated by Vallarta Supermarkets, Clark & Green Associates, Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Educations and Parishioners Federal Credit Union, and The Monastery of the Angels. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to all the people who made the el Dia de Los Muertos festivity possible at Calvary Cemetery. With the efforts of staff, groundkeepers, and volunteers, this year's celebration was enjoyed by many faithful patrons. I had the good fortune of speaking with Emely Byrne, patron of Calvary Cemetery and Mortuary.

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"I came to visit my mother's grave. She passed away during the pandemic, and sadly I was not able to say goodbye to her. I am very blessed to be in Calvary today, I am not familiar with the Day of the Dead Celebration, but I love to see so many families dearly remembering their loved ones who have passed away in a happy way. I will never forget this day; it changed my perspective in my grieving time. My heart is full of joy and hope, and I feel that's the way my mother wants me to be. Calvary Cemetery, thank you!" 

~Emely Byrne