Lively Day of the Dead Events

El Dia de los Muertos--the Day of the Dead--has roots in ancient Mexico, and is set aside to honor the dead. “It’s a happy moment, not a morbid event,” says Caroline Asencio, special events director at El Pueblo de Los Angeles. “There’s singing, we play the music that they liked in memory of them.”

On Saturday at El Pueblo, the celebration includes music, storytelling, magicians, a procession down Olvera Street and dancing. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, downtown Los Angeles. Noon-9:30 p.m. Free. (213) 485-9777.

On Friday night, music and a laser light show are planned at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 3300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Costumes encouraged. 7:30 p.m. Donation, $5. (213) 389-3191, Ext. 103.

Friday and Saturday, the Folk Tree in Pasadena commemorates the holiday with the Day of the Dead Altars and Ephemera Exhibition. 217 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (818) 795-8733.

The Latino Museum of History, Art & Culture, 112 S. Main St., Los Angeles, hosts Oaxaca: Su Rito a la Muerte, an exhibit of traditional food, art and clothing. Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (310) 226-3045.

At New Stone Age, 8407 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, artists will display Day of the Dead-inspired work. Music, refreshments. Saturday, 4-6 p.m. (213) 658-5969.

On Sunday, Andres Pico Adobe celebrates the holiday with a fine-art exhibit, altar displays, entertainment, children’s workshops, food and crafts. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills. Free. (818) 892-9490.