Día de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos has been adapted for centuries from its pre-colonial roots to the popular depictions in mass media today. Inspired by rich Oaxacan traditions, it was brought to East Los Angeles in the 1970s as a way to enrich and reclaim Chicano identity through a small celebration at Self Help Graphics and Art. Since then, the celebration has grown in proportions with renditions enacted in communities all around the world. In contrast to all the glamorous fanfare Dia de los Muertos now receives, Artbound offers a more intimate look at this ritual through the story of artist Ofelia Esparza, who continues the tradition of building altars to remember the dead. Journey with her as she travels back to Mexico in search of her ancestral roots.

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The Shapeshifting Nature of Días de los Muertos and its Role in Chicanx Culture (Article)

Often portrayed as a Mexican tradition, the practice of honoring the dead in early November is also part of other Latin American and European cultures. Today it is also firmly entrenched in Chicanx culture. Find out how this tradition has evolved.

Ofelia Esparza Brings Altar-Making Beyond Dia de los Muertos (Article)

A legend in the art of altar-making, Los Angeles artist Ofelia Esparza has taken the tradition of altar-making beyond the confines of Día de Los Muertos and uses it to heal communities and people.

Self Help Graphics and the Birth of Modern Day Día de los Muertos (Article)

Self Help Graphics & Art introduced Día de los Muertos to the United States in 1972. For decades, the legendary arts organization has been the premier producer of the celebration, which is now replicated in communities all over the country.

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Día de Los Muertos Becomes Popular in Los Angeles (Clip)

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Ofelia Esparza Honors Her Past (Clip)

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Can Traditions Evolve? (Clip)

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