Mother of nine, matriarch Ofelia Esparza learned how to make DÃa de los Muertos altars from her mother. Now, she’s passing on the craft to a new generation.
The annual Los Angeles Noche de Ofrenda in Grand Park—where DÃa de los Muertos blossomed into a national and international phenomenon— returns after a one-year hiatus.
After decades of dedicated work by Chicano artists in East L.A. to promote DÃa de los Muertos as a festival unique to their community, it is now a hyper-commercialized enterprise. Still, many are working to recenter the festival’s original intent of honoring the dead.
After nearly 30 years of independent journalism rooted in justice, imagination, and solutions, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Media will sunset operations at the end of June 2025. This decision follows years of tireless efforts to secure a sustainable path forward. We are heartbroken but we are also incredibly proud. Proud of what we built. Proud of who we built it with. And proud of the impact that ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ has had on the world.