Los Angeles River Center and Gardens — a public park praised for its Mission Revival architecture, lush gardens and peaceful setting — transformed into a Día de Muertos oasis Thursday night as a way to honor the past, present and future thanks to Carlos Eric Lopez.
The milestone 5th annual gala was presented by Lopez, a Mexican-American photographer, entrepreneur, influencer and Hollywood insider, as a way to shine a light on Latino culture in celebration of the traditional holiday. And he pulled out a roster of boldfaced names to fight traffic and make the escape into what turned out to be a poignant and impactful event. The guest list included Camila Cabello, Nicole Richie, Miguel, Edgar Ramirez, Lele Pons, Diego Boneta and Renata Notini, Max Greenfield and Tess Sanchez, Kelly Sawyer, Jamie Mizrahi, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nezza, Natalie Morales, Michael Cimino, Xochitl Gomez, Valentina, Desi Perkins, Gloria Calderon Kellett, David Collins, Elsa Collins and more.
Following a Tequila Don Julio-fueled cocktail hour — as guests mixed and mingled with staff members that were decked out for the occasion with authentic Calavera makeup to help set the mood — Lopez kicked off the program by taking the stage to explain why everyone got an invite for that particular venue.
“We are at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, located in Lincoln Heights,” said the Cura Lita founder. “Behind us, the lights that you see are from Home Depot. That’s the Home Depot where the largest ICE raid happened in Los Angeles. It is where they took a lot of people as they were working, as they were shopping. It was the beginning of something as Latinos started to see a different world that we’re living in. What I wanted to do tonight is leave the lights in the past as they are behind me and create the lights of the future Latinos and Latinos that we are, so that we can shine. What we are and who we are is love and familia.”
Reflections of love and family were everywhere on the grounds. Traditional Día de Muertos ofrendas — altars designed to honor departed loved ones through images, offerings, mementos and personal treasures — were placed throughout the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. Also on the program too, as the night’s marquee award, the Abuelita Award, was presented by Cabello to her grandmother, Mercedes Rodriguez.
“My grandma is not a woman who waits for happiness to come and sit on her lap,” Cabello praised of her Rodriguez who flew in for the event. “Since she was young, she was the first one to come on and last one to leave the dance floor and she’ll be the first to tell you that as she gets older, her spirit only feels younger.”
That spirit has influenced Cabello. “Being bold didn’t come naturally to me,” she explained. “She will tell you of the time I visited her in Cuba and made her stand in the closet with her eyes closed while I sang her a song on my guitar because I didn’t want her to look at me. Every woman in my family has had a huge pair of balls. And seeing them in action has given me the courage to do it myself.”
She traced a little of her grandmother’s career path as a check translator, screenwriter, CEO of a movie production company, record label executive, novel author and more. “My grandma and I are really alike, and we always talk about it. We are both of all of these things, artists, writers, overdramatic, too sensitive, bossy, clingy, and we put our family on the pedestal above everybody else.”
Rodriguez accepts her award from a beaming Cabello.
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Lopez also had his chosen family well represented on the invite list with Richie, Sawyer, Mizrahi and others. “Carlos is like my brother,” Richie explained. “I’ve been to every gala he’s thrown and been able to experience all these venue changes and see L.A. through his eyes. It’s incredible and I’m saying that as someone who is born and raised in L.A. We don’t get to do this a lot.”
Cimino, decked out in traditional makeup with his pal Zakhar Perez, said meeting Lopez and attending the Día de Muertos galas has changed his life. “Carlos brought me together with some of my closest friends five years ago at one of these. These events have weirdly changed my life because it was one of the first big Latino events I went to. Since then it’s spiraled into this whole other thing, whether it’s the Día de Muertos parties or the other events he’s helped organize, he’s inadvertently changed a lot of lives with what he’s done.”
He’s hoping to change more. Lopez announced during the gala that he had launched TúTomorrow, a nonprofit meant to “empower the next generation of Latino creatives and entrepreneurs.” In partnership with the Hispanic Federation, he presented two grants to Los Angeles residents to help with their creative pursuits. He honored Jesus Perez, founder of Lucky Athletes, for his dedication to creating opportunities for Latino youth through sports in partnership with the Mar Vista Family Center. Julieta Ramos also received an award for her work as a student and aspiring filmmaker.
Even with music superstars like Cabello and Miguel in the audience, the program featured musical moments with two other talents. Lupita Infante and DannyLux treated the crowd to brief sets, both paying tribute to family and the forgotten in their time in the lights. The latter performed his song “Ya No Estás” as a way to honor the spirit of remembrance while Infante paid tribute to her father and grandfather for paving the way for her musically.
But it was Cabello who summed up what the experience meant to her as a first-time attendee: “This is a night that my family and I will never forget.”
Michael Cimino and Taylor Zakhar Perez
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Cabello
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Nicole Richie
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Xochitl Gomez, Olga Segura, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Elsa Collins and Renata Notni
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Drinks are served during the Dia De Muertos Gala from Tequila Don Julio as the exclusive spirits sponsor for a fifth year in a row.
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Miguel
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
“It’s almost like walking into a new realm,” said Édgar Ramírez, who lost his father 11 months ago. “One thing that really defines being Latin is how comfortable we are, not only with expressing our emotions, but how comfortable we are with the unknown, with the beyond. What a lot of North Americans interpret as horror for us, it’s just a celebration and a comfort.”
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Lopez in front of a special pop-up from Tequila Don Julio which forged a partnership for Día de Muertos with renowned Panadería Rosetta of Mexico City offering up pan de muerto paired with signature Tequila Don Julio cocktails.
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Desi Perkins and Lele Pons
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Max Greenfield and Tess Sanchez
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Lupita Infante performs with mariachis.
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Rising star DannyLux also performed a brief set that included “Ya No Estás” to honor the spirit of remembrance.
Credit: Keaton Mantusich for Día de Muertos
Diego Boneta in front of a Lexus, which presented the event.
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Nike is seen on the servers during the Dia De Muertos Gala which was presented by Lexus, Tequila Don Julio, Nike, DNERO, Calamigos Ranch and Maremoto.
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Atmosphere inside the Dia De Muertos Gala presented by Lexus, Tequila Don Julio, Nike, DNERO, Calamigos Ranch and Maremoto at Los Angeles River Center and Gardens on Oct. 30, 2025.
Credit: Keaton Mantusich for Día de Muertos
An ofrenda is seen during the event.
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
David Collins
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
The team from DNERO.
(Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Kelly Sawyer and Lopez
Credit: Keaton Mantusich for Día de Muertos
Atmosphere inside the Dia De Muertos Gala.
Credit: Keaton Mantusich for Día de Muertos
Luca Castellani
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Dia De Muertos Gala)
Lopez invited the production team, vendors and staff behind the event to share a moment in the spotlight and share the intentionality behind hiring teams that had been affected by the January wildfires, recent ICE raids and other challenges.
Valentina
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Inside Carlos Eric Lopez’s Dia de Muertos Gala With Camila Cabello,Miguel and Nicole Richie
The Vibrant Celebration of Dia de Muertos
Carlos Eric Lopez’s annual Dia de muertos Gala has become one of the most anticipated cultural events celebrating Mexico’s iconic holiday honoring the dead.This year, the gala brought together a stunning lineup of celebrities including Camila Cabello, Miguel, and Nicole Richie, uniting entertainment and tradition in an unforgettable night of remembrance and festivity.
The Día de los Muertos tradition, rich in symbolism and cultural depth, commemorates deceased loved ones with joyful remembrance rather then mourning. This festive spirit was vividly expressed throughout the gala, offering guests an immersive experience into mexican heritage.
Event Highlights: Glamour meets Tradition
Star-Studded Attendance
- Camila Cabello: Embracing her Cuban-Mexican roots,Cabello amazed attendees with her traditional yet modern outfit,featuring intricate face paint inspired by La Catrina,the iconic Dia de Muertos figure.
- Miguel: Delivered a soulful performance of classics intertwined with Dia de Muertos-themed visuals, enhancing the night’s emotional resonance.
- Nicole Richie: Showcased a stunning blend of fashion and Mexican artistry, supporting the gala’s mission to preserve and illuminate the cultural significance of this sacred holiday.
Artistic and Cultural Expressions
Lopez’s event featured:
- Ofrendas (Altars): Elaborately decorated with marigolds, candles, traditional foods like pan de muerto, and photos of ancestors – symbolizing the connection between life and death.
- Live Art Installations: Local artists created colorful murals inspired by the themes of remembrance and unity.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Authentic folkloric performances prioritized to immerse guests in the joyous celebration of life after death.
Understanding the Significance of Dia de Muertos
The holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding partly with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day but rooted uniquely in Mexican indigenous rituals. Families come together to honor departed relatives in a festival embodying both reverence and joy.
Marigold flowers (cempasúchil) and the sweetness of pan de muerto are ubiquitous symbols reflecting the offering of love and remembrance towards ancestors. These elements were thoughtfully integrated into every aspect of the gala’s décor and menu, connecting guests with the essence of this rich tradition [[1]](https://www.fridascocinatx.com/blog/dia-de-los-muertos-the-complete-guide-to-mexicos-day-of-the-dead).
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes: Gala Preparations
Experience the meticulous planning that made Carlos Eric Lopez’s Diaz de Muertos Gala not just an event but a cultural milestone:
- Curated invitations: invitations featured handmade papel picado designs, evoking traditional Mexican artistry.
- Venue Conversion: The gala location was transformed into a vivid altar space filled with authentic decor imported directly from mexico and adorned with handcrafted artisan pieces.
- styling & Makeup: expert makeup artists specialized in catrina face paint, helping guests and celebrities alike embody the spirit of the holiday.
Featured Celebrity Looks: Fusion of Fashion & Tradition
| Celebrity | Outfit Highlights | Symbolic Element |
|---|---|---|
| Camila Cabello | Embroidered floral dress with traditional Mexican embellishments | La Catrina face paint |
| Miguel | custom-tailored charro suit with embroidered marigold patterns | Marigold earrings |
| Nicole Richie | Boho-chic fusion dress with bold skull motifs | Artisan jewelry inspired by Mexican folk art |
Benefits of Participating in a Dia de Muertos Gala
- Deeper Cultural Appreciation: Engaging directly with traditions fosters respect and understanding of Mexican heritage.
- Strengthened Community Bonds: Sharing stories and memories during the gala creates a collective celebration of life and legacy.
- Artistic Inspiration: Exposure to traditional and modern Mexican art forms can inspire creativity and innovation.
- Emotional Healing: The gala’s joyful remembrance offers participants comfort and peace with the natural cycle of life and death.
Practical Tips for Attending a Dia de Muertos Gala
- Dress with Respect: Opt for attire that celebrates Mexican culture, like embroidered dresses or suits, and consider face painting to embrace tradition.
- Learn Symbolism: Understand the meaning behind key symbols such as marigolds,sugar skulls,and ofrendas to fully appreciate the ceremony.
- Engage with the Art: Participate in interactive art sessions or workshops often available at galas to deepen your connection to the event.
- Sample Traditional Foods: taste authentic offerings like pan de muerto and Mexican hot chocolate served at the event for a full sensory experience.
First-Hand Experience: The Emotional Impact of the Gala
Witnessing the blend of celebrity glamour with the deeply personal tradition of Día de los Muertos at Carlos Eric Lopez’s gala offers a profound reminder of life’s precious cycle. Guests report:
- A strong sense of unity across cultures and generations.
- A renewed appreciation for honoring loved ones who have passed.
- Inspiration from the artistry and heartfelt storytelling woven throughout the evening.
Many attendees describe the gala as a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion that enriches personal perspectives on death and celebration.
Learn More About Dia de Muertos Traditions
For those fascinated by the rich history and practices observed at the gala, resources like Frida’s Cocina offer complete guides to Mexico’s Day of the Dead, including details on building altars, the symbolism of marigolds, and traditional foods [[1]](https://www.fridascocinatx.com/blog/dia-de-los-muertos-the-complete-guide-to-mexicos-day-of-the-dead). britannica also offers insightful background on the holiday’s origins and celebrations [[2]](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Day-of-the-Dead).
