Cultural Tribute, Art Installations, and Live Performances on November 1–2
The Santa Monica Pier Corporation will honor the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—with its sixth annual celebration on Saturday, November 1, from 3 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., inside the historic Merry Go-Round building on the Pier. Presented by Northgate Market, the free two-day community event celebrates remembrance, family, and cultural artistry through live music, dance, storytelling, and a large-scale public art installation.
The beloved Día de los Muertos celebration transforms the century-old Carousel into a space of color, creativity, and collective reflection—adorned with marigolds, papel picado, and handmade ofrendas. Visitors are invited to contribute to a communal altar honoring loved ones who have passed and explore installations by local artist Sylvia Sanchez, alongside contributions from Renay Regalado Garcia, Celina Jacques, Fernando Escobar and Christine Lopez.
“Día de los Muertos is a two-day celebration of remembrance, honor, respect, joy, and beauty,” said Sylvia Sanchez, artist and producer of the event. “We are not mourning death—we are celebrating life. The first day, November 1, is Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels),when we celebrate departed children, who are always so eager and run ahead of the adults.”
Event Highlights – Saturday, November 1
· 3:00 p.m. – Traditional Aztec Blessing at the West End and Kids Pan de Muerto Class
· 3:15 p.m. – Parade immediately after Blessing to the Merry Go-Round Building
· 3:30 p.m. – Blessing of the Ofrendas inside the Merry Go-Round
· 4:00 p.m. – Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico performances inside the Merry Go-Round
· 5:00 p.m. – Mariachi Mexcal performance inside the Merry Go-Round
· 5:00 p.m. – Grupo La Rosa Folklórico performance on the outdoor stage
· 7:00 p.m. – Band performance by All the Vibes Band on the outdoor stage
Guests can enjoy face painting, art displays, vendor offerings, and hot chocolate from Soda Jerks while strolling through the transformed venue. Guests are encouraged to bring a photo of a loved one to contribute to the community ofrenda. Photocopies rather than originals are recommended, as frames are not provided, and items must be collected after the event.
On Sunday, November 2, the celebration continues as the community is invited to return and visit the altars and installations at their own pace while the Merry Go-Round building is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
While many will enjoy the Día de los Muertos celebration and other free events at the Pier, few realize that it’s made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’t fully funded by the City of Santa Monica.
The Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertoscelebration is presented by Northgate Market and supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture, reflecting the city’s deep connection to multicultural storytelling and artistic expression.
“This celebration embodies what makes the Pier such a special place—it’s where art, culture, and community meet the ocean,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “Día de los Muertos invites us to come together in remembrance and joy, honoring loved ones while celebrating life itself.”
Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike, the Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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