Forest Lawn(Glendale) recently brought traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) customs to life at its four Southern California locations: Cypress, Covina Hills, Glendale and Cathedral City. The free, family-friendly community celebrations honored the memories of the dead while illuminating the rich history of the Mexican holiday. Highlights included folkloric dance and Mariachi performances, Bob Baker Marionette performances, community “ofrendas” (altars) presentations, traditional Catrina and “alebrijes” (spirit animals) artwork, arts and crafts, face painting, food and refreshments.

This year marked the fifth appearance of 6-foot-tall Catrina sculptures – artisanal creations crafted by Forest Lawn’s floral designers and inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. The skeletal women symbolize the return of departed loved ones and remind the living to be true to themselves and enjoy life. Each of Forest Lawn’s Catrina sculptures has its own personality, with distinct costumes and accessories inspired by the early 20th century, the period when Catrinas were first popularized by Jose Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera.

In other news, Forest Lawn held its 64th annual Veterans Day Celebration outside the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills on November 11. The event honored members of the U.S. Armed Forces and program highlights included a keynote speech by Dr. David Smith of the U.S. Air Force; a presidential proclamation by Alan Hamilton, deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department; musical performances by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band and Tonality Choir; a military flyover by the Condor Squadron; invocation and benediction by Monsignor Frank Hicks; the posting and retiring of the colors by the Los Angeles Police Department Honor Guard; an honor guard gun salute; and family-friendly activities. forestlawn.com