The Santa Monica Pier will honor Mexican tradition with its sixth annual Día de los Muertos celebration Nov. 1-2 inside the historic Merry-Go-Round Building.
Presented by Northgate Market, the free two-day community event celebrates remembrance, family and cultural artistry through live music, dance, storytelling and large-scale public art installations.
Saturday's celebration runs from 3 to 10 p.m., while Sunday's event continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The century-old carousel will be transformed into a space of color and creativity, adorned with marigolds, papel picado and handmade ofrendas.
"Día de los Muertos is a two-day celebration of remembrance, honor, respect, joy and beauty," said artist and event producer Sylvia Sanchez. "We are not mourning death—we are celebrating life."
Saturday's schedule includes a traditional Aztec blessing at 3 p.m. at the West End, followed by a Kids Pan de Muerto class. A parade to the Merry-Go-Round Building begins at 3:15 p.m., with blessing of the ofrendas at 3:30 p.m.
Performances include Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico at 4 p.m., Mariachi Mexcal at 5 p.m. inside the building, and Grupo La Rosa Folklórico on the outdoor stage at 5 p.m. All the Vibes Band performs at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage.
Visitors can enjoy face painting, art displays, vendor offerings and hot chocolate from Soda Jerks. Guests are encouraged to bring photos of loved ones to contribute to the community ofrenda. Photocopies are recommended, as frames are not provided and items must be collected after the event.
Local artists featured include Sylvia Sanchez alongside contributions from Renay Regalado Garcia, Celina Jacques, Fernando Escobar and Christine Lopez.
Sunday allows visitors to experience the altars and installations at their own pace.
The celebration is supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.
The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Edited by SMDP Staff