LOS ANGELES – A trail of incense called copal leads a procession of people making their way through Olvera Street as part of the Novenario. Its a tradition that’s taken place here more than 20 years as part of the Day of the Dead or Día de Los Muertos celebration.

For nine days starting on October 25 and ending November 2, loved ones are remembered but each night one specific person with ties to Olvera Street is honored.

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On this night, it’s Señora Lugo Ibarra.

“I’m going to see her when I get there too,” said her son Lazaro Arvizu, a legendary Aztec dancer.

His mother passed just a few weeks ago at 96-years-old. For him, honoring her here is the perfect tribute.

He not only performs here regularly but she loved coming here. In fact, she visited just before she died.

“She lived in Mexico City and I guess she came to say bye without knowing that she was going to die,” said Arvizu.

The nine-day procession is taken from the tradition of the Novena, a form of Catholic prayer done over the course of nine days.

“We incorporated that into the Day of the Dead, not everyone down south in Mexico does that, but we do, because we think it’s another way to embrace people and to have them become part of the community here,” said Valerie Hanley, a third generation Olvera Street merchant who helps organize the event each year.

Inside her shop you’ll find an offering, also known as an 'ofrenda' to her own family members who have passed as part of the celebration. 

For the community of Olvera street, the nine-day tradition is a way to not only remember loved ones who have passed, but also to share the tradition of the Day of the Dead with their fellow Angelenos.