GLENDALE, Calif. — A skeleton might be a frightful sight, but a female skeleton dressed in a hat, known as 'La Catrina' is one the most honored symbols of Día de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead."

Carolina Ruiz is a floral shop specialist and for her, it’s a time to honor our lost loved ones.

“Growing up we just had a simple altar at home,” said Ruiz. “My mom and grandmother would bring pictures of our loved ones and then just display them in our living room. It was very simple, quiet.”

But no tradition is complete without food.

“And then we would have our traditional pozole or menudo to celebrate,” said Ruiz.

What You Need To Know

  • Forest Lawn hosts a virtual Día de los Muertos event on Sunday, November 1st from 12-2 p.m.

  • La Catrina often wears an embroidered bonnet adorned with flowers

  • La Catrina is inspired by Lady of the Dead, Mictecacihuatl, the keeper of the bones in the underworld

  • The modern depiction of La Catrina as a female skeleton with a hat was popularized circa 1910 by artist José Guadalupe Posada

Growing up in Glassell Park, Ruiz cherishes the time she spent celebrating the Mexican tradition associated with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day with her family. Now, Ruiz gets to help others celebrate their lost family members at Forest Lawn, where they’ve been producing Day of the Dead events for the last 10 years.

“We find many ways each year to celebrate them,” said Ruiz. “If it’s with color, if it's with food or decorations, we come together as a unit to celebrate our loved ones, so it’s a good way to gather.”


And most importantly, sharing stories and remembering them. La Catrina is traditionally a skeletal woman meant to symbolize the return of departed loved ones as a reminder to be true to oneself and to enjoy life.

“The marigold is used traditionally in the Día de los Muertos celebration not only because of its loud scent, but also because of the brightness,” explained Ruiz. “It illuminates our loved one’s way over to be a part of the celebration.”

Forest Lawn wants everyone to join, but due to COVID-19, Día de los Muertos will be virtual this year. James Fishbourne is the museum director at Forest Lawn and insists on the importance of keeping traditions alive.


“Dia de los Muertos, it’s a Mexican tradition, but it’s also a Los Angeles tradition,” said Fishbourne. “And with so many uncertainties, it’s great that we’re able to keep this tradition alive and carry it forward as we move through this pandemic.”

For a tradition full of larger than life La Catrinas, folklorico dancing, and mariachi music, celebrating the dead is a lot more fun than somber.

“We put so much love into our Catrinas that we’re so happy to share them here with our families here at Forest Lawn,” said Ruiz.