Marissa Black | Staff Writer

The Halloween festivities are already in full swing at Los Angeles’ Olvera Street, as the traditional festivities of this time of year filled the street. Dia de los Muertos or “Day of the dead” celebrations are a popular Mexican tradition to celebrate and remember loved ones who have died.

Olvera street is one of the most well-known areas of Los Angeles for putting on this party, as traditional dancers perform in the plaza near union station, classic Mexican food and drink is sold, and booths of colorful clothing, masks and decorations are lined down the street.

October 22nd provided a bit of a “preview” to the upcoming festivities. “Novenario,” or the 9 days of prayer will be held from October 25-November 2, with the official Dia des los Muertos celebration being held the nights of November 1 and 2 starting at 7 p.m.

The event is put on by the Olvera Street Merchants and the El Pueblo Historical Monument.

Dancers in traditional costume perform ritual dances for a crowd

Drummers help keep the dancers on beat through their synchronous playing.

One lead dancer performs a solo dance for the gathered crowd

The colorful flags, or Papel Picado, stretch over the celebrations in bright lines

Merchandise includes such things as colorfully printed backpacks, masks, and hats

Shoppers stroll through the stalls set up along Olvera Street full of Day of the Dead trinkets

Everything sold on Olvera Street during the celebration is themed for the Day of the Dead