Día de los Muertos drew a crowd in Panorama City to honor those who have passed

The Día de los Muertos celebration was hosted by Los Angeles City Councilmember Imelda Padilla in Panorama City on Saturday in honor of those who have passed. “This annual celebration is a vibrant reminder of the strength and cultural richness that define Council District 6,” she said. “Each year, this event continues to grow, and this year we truly went all out—it was a memorable evening filled with community, color, and tradition.”

Residents were invited to bring photos and other symbolic objects in remembrance of those they had lost. Among those who attended was Patty Ochoa, who was wearing “sugar skull” makeup and a Catrina crown of roses in honor of her husband, mother and brother. She said she has participated in the event since 2014. The event also included performances by Panorama High School Folklorico Fusion dancers and the Panorama High School Marching Band.

Padilla said: “I had a wonderful time interacting with the families who attended and celebrating how we keep our culture alive—together.”

“Seeing so many families come together, laugh, and honor their loved ones, fills me with gratitude,” Padilla said. “This is why I do the work I do: to create spaces where our community feels seen, valued, and connected.”

Veronica Padilla-Campos, executive director of Pacoima Beautiful, said, “Every altar, every brushstroke, every shared story is a tribute to love that never fades. Through this celebration, we reaffirm the beauty of life, the strength of tradition, and the enduring power of art to connect us across generations.”