The Santa Monica Pier will honor Mexican singer and actor Pedro Infante during its seventh annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a free, two-day event Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, inside the historic Merry Go-Round building.
Infante, a star of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema known for portraying working-class heroes, starred in more than 60 films, recorded more than 350 songs and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame before his death in 1957.
"This year, we're especially honored to recognize Pedro Infante, whose music and films remain such an important part of Mexican culture and Los Angeles history," said Jim Harris, the pier's executive director and historian.
On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., guests can explore and contribute to community ofrendas created by local artist and producer Sylvia Sanchez and participating artists.
Sunday's events run from noon to 5:30 p.m.:
Noon: Ofrenda altars and face painting in the Merry Go-Round building, plus a classic car cruise to the pier followed by a classic car show through the afternoon.
1 p.m.: Traditional Aztec blessing at the west end of the pier, followed by a procession led by Aztec dancers toward the Merry Go-Round building.
2 p.m.: Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico.
3 p.m.: Mariachi and ballet folklórico performances.
4 p.m.: Remarks by Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, consul general of Mexico in Los Angeles.
4:30 p.m.: Live music by Brotherhood.
The Merry Go-Round building will be decorated with marigolds, papel picado and ofrenda installations, and the pier's 100-year-old carousel will be adorned with traditional Día de los Muertos decorations.
Guests are encouraged to bring copies, not originals, of photos of loved ones who have passed for the communal ofrenda, and may wear traditional attire and join Sunday's procession. Frames will not be provided. The Santa Monica Pier Corporation is not responsible for damage to personal items.
The celebration is supported in part by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture and by community partners including Kaiser Permanente, Northgate Market, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Playland Arcade and Woodlawn Cemetery.
The pier is at 200 Santa Monica Pier. More information is available at www.santamonicapier.org/diadelosmuertos.
Edited by SMDP Staff