Día de los Muertos celebration at the pier

oCTOBER 31 - nOVEMBER 1, 2026

Saturday, October 31st | 11AM - 7PM - View and contribute to the Ofrendas inside the historic Merry Go-Round
Sunday, November 1st | 12PM - 5:30PM

Santa Monica Pier pays tribute to the cultural tradition of Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead– with a two-day public art installation taking place from October 31st through November 1st, 2026. The seventh annual Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertos Celebration honors people, places, and ideas that are important to Santa Monican’s through free, family-friendly programming. Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertos Celebration is a community-oriented space located inside the Merry Go-Round building, inviting Pier-goers to contribute to the community altar as well as to view the altars made by local artist, Sylvia Sanchez.

This Día de los Muertos, the Santa Monica Pier honors Pedro Infante, one of Mexico's most beloved icons.

A legendary singer and actor of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, Infante became the working-class hero of the big screen, playing carpenters, pilots, and entertainers who felt like family to millions. Over a career cut short in 1957, he starred in more than 60 films, recorded over 350 songs, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

From the Walk of Fame to the end of Route 66, Pedro Infante's legacy lives on across Los Angeles, and this Día de los Muertos, it finds a home on the Pier. Come remember his life, honor his legacy, and celebrate the music that still brings people together.

The Santa Monica Pier Día de los Muertos celebration is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.

SunDAY, November 1st | 12:00pm - 5:30pm | Merry Go-Round Building

12:00PM — Ofrenda Altars and Facepainting in the Merry Go-Round
1:00PM — Traditional Aztec Blessing at West End
2:00PM — Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico performances inside the Merry Go-Round
3:00PM — Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico performances inside the Merry Go-Round
4:00PM — Speech by Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in LA
4:15PM — Live music by “Brotherhood” on the outdoor stage

Guests are invited to stroll through the historic Merry Go-Round building to view several art installations, including a stunning transformation of the 100-year-old Carousel, adorned with marigolds and papel picado. Enjoy live performances throughout the evening, including the traditional dance of Ballet Folklorico and a serenade by a Mariachi group.

The evening of reflection and remembrance begins with a blessing at the far west end of the Pier, followed by face painting and a vibrant procession led by Aztec dancers that will travel to the Merry Go-Round building.

We invite you to honor a loved one who has passed by contributing a personal photo to our communal ofrenda, a shared altar created by the community. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite Día de los Muertos attire and take part in the procession.

*We encourage participants to use copies of photographs rather than originals, frames will not be provided. Individuals are responsible for removing their frame(s) at the end of the celebration. SMPC is not liable for any damages that may occur.

Meet the Artists

Artist and Producer Sylvia Sanchez provides the vision for this year’s Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Pier. For the past many years, Sylvia has assembled altars at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Sylvia introduced the magic of her spectacular altars to the Pier in 2021, giving a special nod to the memories of people who have had a special connection to the Santa Monica Pier, and to Santa Monica, throughout its 115-year history.

“Día de los Muertos is a two-day celebration of remembrance, honor, respect, joy and beauty,” according to Sylvia Sanchez, “We are not mourning death, we are celebrating life! The first day, November 1, is Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), when we celebrate departed infants and children, who are always so eager and run ahead of the adults.”

We're honored to have Christine Lopez participating in this year's Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda at the Santa Monica Pier, bringing her beautiful and meaningful tributes to our communal altar. Join us in celebrating their contributions and honoring the memory of loved ones.