Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever is as quintessential an L.A. event as the Oscars, and the biggest communal gathering honoring the dead in all of California. Come dressed (and painted) as a walking esquelto and watch the procession and dancers dressed in Aztec costumes. Also included is live entertainment by jam band Ozomatli, Very Be Careful, La Santa Cecilia, Las Cafeteras and Tribu, who'll have Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks and other bygone celebs shaking in their graves. Of course, the perennial highlight is getting to marvel in silence at the 100-plus altars. Last year's first place-winning altar was dedicated to a Vietnam War veteran, and in the past, we've seen shrines that have paid tribute to everyone from Frida Kahlo to Amy Winehouse to the Golden Girls. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd.; Sat., Oct. 27, 12 noon-12 a.m.; $10 (children and seniors free before 4 p.m.). (323) 469-1181, hollywoodforever.com

Sat., Oct. 27, 12-11 p.m., 2012

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