Last night was Carlos Eric Lopez’s fifth annual Día de Muertos Gala, where Camila Cabello honored her grandmother, Mercedes Rodriguez. Dia de Muertos is a special celebration of family, heritage, and remembrance rooted in ancient Indigenous traditions with Catholic beliefs. It is a time to welcome back the spirits of loved ones through altars, marigolds, and shared memories. Presented by Lexus and Tequila Don Julio, the star-studded evening featured a live performance by DannyLux and Lupita Infante with a star-studded guest list. Take a look inside the event.
Mercedes Rodriguez and Camila Cabello
The Abuelita Award honors the profound influence of grandmothers. Mercedes was acknowledged for the role she has played in Camila’s life and her appreciation of her Latino heritage.
Edgar Ramirez
Edgar Ramirez opened up to HOLA! on the red carpet about his late father, who passed 11 months ago. The Emilia Perez star said he didn't think it was a coincidence he was celebrating the holiday for the first time ahead of the anniversary. “I think the months leading up to my dad’s passing were some of the hardest weeks of my life — but also some of the most beautiful. I was lucky to take care of him until the end and to reach a level of intimacy that’s almost impossible to achieve unless time is running out. There were no loose ends; we told each other we loved each other every day. I miss him deeply, but I feel like he’s always with me — that voice in my head now sounds like his. So I try to honor him by being as happy and present as possible, because he was a man who truly lived in the moment," he shared.
Lupita Infante
Lupita honored his legendary family’s legacy by performing songs from her legendary grandpa, Pedro Infante. We spoke to Lupita on the red carpet, who got emotional speaking about her family and her grandma, who was her last grandparent to pass away. “I think maybe she didn’t get enough spotlight because Pedro Infante always had the attention, but she was such an incredible artist in her own right. She had incredible discipline, so I want to honor her by being the best I can be and carrying that same discipline. She loved my dad so much — so just keeping that love in my heart, that’s how I’ll honor her,"
DannyLux
DannyLux, who is nominated for a Latin Grammy for the second consecutive year for Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album with Leyenda, was a performer at the event. He admitted to being nervous ahead of his rendition of the iconic "La Llorona." “I’m a little nervous, but it’s such an amazing event and cause. Seeing the whole Hispanic community come together like this is incredible — I just want to give it my all and be part of something so special. We’re performing an iconic Mexican song tonight, which is outside my usual style, so I just hope I do it justice," he shared.
He also opened up about his parents, "My dad, he's, he's such a like he set the best example for me He crossed over illegally when he was like 17 just because he wanted his kids to be born in the United States and have a better life than he had so it's such a special thing that he went through all that struggle. Went through having no job, no house, nothing it was just him and my mom like literally living on the streets, And just because of his dream, I feel like I owe it to them to try my best, do the best I can in whatever I'm doing so it's like they're, they're honestly the biggest motivation I can have."
Carlos Eric López
This is the fifth time Carlos Eric López has thrown the stunning gala. He told HOLA!, “I’m very proud in the sense that I do this for my family every year — the family I celebrate and honor tonight, the family that isn’t here but is on the ofrenda side. I can hear my mom in the back of my ear saying, ‘mijo,’ and I know they’re proud of me — that really makes me proud of myself too.”
Michael Cimino and Taylor Zakhar Perez
Michael Cimino and Taylor Zakhar Perez looked incredible in their calavera makeup. "For tonight, with all the kind of crazy stuff going on in the United States, you know, us all being here together, standing together, and I think it speaks volumes," Perez said on the red carpet.
Valentina
On the red carpet, Valentina said she was honoring, "my nana Mercedes, my dad, my Antonio... they passed away, and I'm hoping they come visit me in my dreams." She also shared an experience she had, "I had my dad come to visit me in my dreams recently, and it was really, really emotional. I woke up crying, but it was so beautiful. It’s like, how can you prove that this felt so real, you know? But it was really sweet. He presented himself in a way that I would imagine is how he wants me to see him. It was really magical, and it felt like it was in a different dimension.”
Xochitl Gomez
Xochitl Gomez looked amazing in a blue cutout gown.
Diego Boneta
Nicole Richie and Miguel
Nicole Richie and Miguel both have Mexican roots
Lele Pons and Guaynaa
Lele Pons and Guaynaa are celebrating the holidays for the first time with their daughter