Downtown Santa Monica is honoring Día de los Muertos, highlighting the traditional Mexican cultural celebration of life and death, with a mix of live entertainment featuring DJs from Cumbíaton LA and traditional dance performances by local community groups, larger-than-the-afterlife La Catrina sculptures by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero, a BIPOC makers market from Angel City Market, face painting, kids crafts, and other family-friendly activities.
WHEN: Saturday, October 30th from 5pm – 10 pm
WHERE: Third Street Promenade (from Broadway to Wilshire Boulevard)
Hosted by Normz la Oaxaqueña of Cumbiatón LA
This free, public event is meant to be a contemporary celebration of Día de los Muertos, inspired by indigenous and Catholic traditions found throughout Latin America. Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life honoring loved ones who have passed, dating back to pre-Hispanic cultures and indigenous communities in Mexico. Traditionally celebrated from October 28 through November 2, it is believed that on November 1-2 the dead are allowed to visit the living.
Family ofrendas, or altars, displaying photos of the departed are erected displaying items to help the souls of the departed on their journey, like their favorite foods, cempasúchil (marigolds) and copal with strong scents to lead the way, and water to quench thirst after a long journey. During our celebration, you'll find altars built by local community groups representing the various traditions of families and cultures in Santa Monica. Typically displayed inside the home, these altars are modified to allow for an outdoor exhibition, but their goal remains the same — to honor those who have passed and welcome them home.
Acompañenos para una celebración contemporánea del Día de los Muertos en Third Street Promenade, inspirada en las tradiciones indígenas y católicas de América Latina. El Día de los Muertos es una celebración de la vida en honor a los seres queridos que han fallecido, que se remonta a las culturas prehispánicas y las comunidades indígenas de México. Tradicionalmente celebrado del 28 de octubre al 2 de noviembre, se cree que el 1 y 2 de noviembre a los muertos se les permite visitar a los vivos.
Se construyen ofrendas, o altares, familiares que muestran fotos de los difuntos. Los altares exhiben elementos para ayudar a las almas en su viaje, como sus comidas favoritas, cempasúchil y copal con aromas fuertes para marcar el camino, y agua para saciar la sed después de un largo viaje. Durante nuestra celebración, encontrará altares construidos por grupos comunitarios locales que representan las diversas tradiciones de familias y culturas en Santa Mónica. Estos altares, que normalmente se exhiben dentro de la casa, han sido modificados para permitir una exhibición al aire libre, pero su objetivo sigue siendo el mismo - honrar a los que han fallecido y darles la bienvenida a casa.

La Catrina Sculptures by Ricardo Soltero

DJ Dance Party

Angel City Market
Other festivities include performances by:
Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico * Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo * Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Mariachi Perla del Oeste * Latinx clubs from Santa Monica High School
Performance Schedule Promenade Main Stage
5:30pm - Greetings from host Normz la Oaxaqueña of Cumbiatón LA
5:40pm - Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico Traditonal Blessing & Folklórico Dance
6:25pm - Samohi Latinx Student Clubs
6:40pm - Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo
7:10pm - Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Mariachi Perla del Oeste
7:25pm - Dance Party with DJ Funky Caramelo & DJ Sizzle Fantastic of Cumbiatón LA
Community altars by:
Cognate Collective/ 18th Street Arts Center
Samohi Latinx Clubs
Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico
University High School
The Magical Atelier
Community booths & family activities provided by:
Lil' Bitter Pixie Face Painting
Spin Scooters
Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico
Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo
Allies for Every Child
Santa Monica Police Department Community Affairs
Please be respectful of the artwork and community altars.
DTSM remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the community, visitors, and staff. Face coverings are recommended when visiting the Third Street Promenade and all guests are encouraged to practice physical distancing.