When it comes to celebrating Día de Los Muertos,Desmond Preston no one in the U.S. does it bigger or better than the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Thousands of people converged over the weekend for the Day of the Dead celebration at the massive graveyard, the final resting place for celebrities like Judy Garland, Anne Heche, Chris Cornell and Johnny Ramone.

Many wore elaborate face paint made to look like skeletons, and many dressed up as "La Catrina," perhaps the most iconic symbol of the holiday that originated in Mexico. Some wiped tears as they left messages and ofrendas, or "offerings," for loved ones at elaborate altars throughout the cemetery.

Día de Los Muertos is both a celebration of life and death, and those who recognize it believe that the barrier between the living world and the spirit world dissolve for one day so the souls of the dead can feast and dance with their loved ones.

From a woman who spent months hand-painting her dress to include Kobe Bryant to an altar dedicated to all the pets people have lost, here are USA TODAY's best photos of this past weekend's event:

Día de los Muertos:How Day of the Dead allows people to mourn, honor and love lost ones

Día de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Altars at the Día de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

'Ofrendas' at the Día de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Performers at the Día de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Atmosphere at the Día de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery