Southern California will host a range of events honoring Día de los Muertos, the traditional Mexican celebration of life and remembrance, throughout the coming week. These gatherings, spanning from Santa Monica to Santa Ana, offer community members opportunities to engage with cultural arts, music, and family-centered activities.
The Santa Monica Pier is set to launch its commemoration on Sunday with a two-day art installation. The festivities commence at 3 p.m. with an Aztec blessing on the pier’s western end, followed by a procession around the merry-go-round building, which will be decorated with marigolds and papel picado. Evening entertainment includes performances by ballet folklorico dancers and a mariachi band. A community altar, created by local artist Sylvia Sanchez, will invite visitors to share photographs of departed loved ones. The installation will remain open for viewing through Monday.
In Los Angeles, Plaza de la Raza will hold its annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Sunday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The event features art displays, live music and dance performances, as well as altars crafted by local artists. Attendees can also participate in hands-on workshops focused on traditional crafts.
The Fowler Museum at UCLA will observe the holiday on Sunday between 1 and 4:30 p.m. Activities include a workshop led by artist Maria Elena Cruz on the creation of mini ofrendas and ornamental sugar skull piñatas, symbolizing remembrance. Live music from Mariachi Alta California and light refreshments will accompany the program.
In Santa Ana, the Centro Cultural de México will present its 24th annual Noche de Altares on Nov. 7, running from noon until 9 p.m. The event will showcase multiple altars, including those honoring community members as well as themed displays recognizing soldiers who have died in combat and individuals lost to illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, and diabetes. Attendees can expect live performances, a talent showcase, children’s face painting, and free art workshops.
Also on Nov. 7, Self Help Graphics & Art, an arts nonprofit credited with popularizing Día de los Muertos celebrations in Southern California, will hold its 53rd annual event. The block party will take place outside its upcoming Boyle Heights location, slated to open next year. This year’s observance includes a partnership with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, highlighting active cultural traditions.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will offer a special workshop that day from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., featuring author and illustrator Mariana Galvez discussing “Little Astrology Catrinas,” a creative reimagining of zodiac signs. The program combines art and astrology themed around Día de los Muertos and requires prior reservation alongside museum admission.
Finally, the 12th Annual Viva la Vida Día de los Muertos Festival will convene Nov. 7 from 3 to 10 p.m. in Santa Ana. The celebration will feature a community altar, live entertainment, artisan vendors, and various arts and crafts. The event honors the memory of Rudy Cordova, founder of Viva La Vida Santa Ana, who passed away in November.
These diverse events mark a continuation of rich cultural traditions providing southern Californians with multiple ways to pay tribute to loved ones while celebrating heritage and community.