Día de los Muertos celebration at the pier

SAturday, November 2nd | 5:00pm - 10:00pm

5:00 PM – West End Ceremonial Dance (Danza Azteca Kalpoli Atlachinoli) & Blessing

5:15 PM – Parade to the Merry Go-Round Building

6:30 PM – Ballet Folklorico, Grupo La Rosa

7:30 PM – Mariachi Santa Monica

8:00 PM – Live Music by The Brotherhood Band

5:00-9:00 PM – Arts & Crafts for Kids

5:00-10:00 PM – Traditional Food, Car Meet & Artisan Market

Guests will experience several art installations and live performances like ballet folklorico by Grupo La Rosa by Maria A. Villalobos & Parents, and be serenaded by a Mariachi group during this celebration. The event of reflection and remembrance will start with a blessing at the far West End of the Pier, face painting hosted by our partner Northgate Market, followed by a vibrant and colorful procession led by Aztec dancers from the west end to the Merry Go-Round building. We encourage you to dress up in your favorite Día de los Muertos fashion to take part in our community walking procession. Honor a loved one who has passed and participate in this year’s communal altar by contributing your own personal photograph.*

We are honored to welcome Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, as our guest speaker at the Pier’s Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Ambassador González Gutiérrez, a career diplomat with over three decades of experience, will share reflections on the significance of this cherished tradition for Mexican communities in the United States. Join us as he speaks to the beauty and cultural importance of Día de los Muertos in honoring those we remember.

Be sure to stop by Soda Jerks to grab a cup of hot chocolate and Mariasol for some incredible tamales to enjoy during the two-day celebration.

*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.

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 before the main event on November 2.”

Yolanda Medina, a retired Florist, was born and raised in Santa Monica.  She has a natural ability in all her creations and designs. Because of this, she brings beauty and magic to the ofrendas of Dia de los Muertos.  Her love for family and cultural traditions is easily evident in her work and touching to the heart. 

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

Interested in being a vendor on saturday, november 2, 2024?

Vendor applications are now OPEN! Don’t miss your chance to showcase your goods to thousands of visitors. Apply by October 20, 2024 via the link below. Limited spots available for non-food vendors—$500 gets you a 10x10 booth, plus mentions in our press release and social media! Let’s celebrate in style!