Santa Monica, CA — November 2, 2024 — The Santa Monica Pier resonated with cultural reverence on Saturday as members of the indigenous community came together to offer a profound blessing, leading a Día de los Muertos procession in a celebration of life and memory. The event, part of a two-day series of activities, honored the holiday's deep significance with family-friendly events and art installations paying tribute to loved ones and memories cherished by the Santa Monica community.
Clad in vibrant traditional dress, the Danza Azteca Kalpoli Atlachinoli dancers mesmerized onlookers as they gracefully led the procession from the pier’s west end to the historic Merry Go-Round building. Their ceremonial movements and authentic attire brought the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life, captivating attendees with a display of cultural heritage and respect.
The procession concluded at the Merry Go-Round building, where visitors experienced an art installation adorned with marigolds, papel picado, and community-created altars, each honoring the essence of Día de los Muertos. This immersive space invited attendees to celebrate and remember loved ones, while installations by local artists highlighted personal connections to Santa Monica’s stories and traditions.
With free performances and activities, the Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertos celebration fostered a sense of unity, offering an opportunity for families, residents, and visitors to come together in honoring and preserving the beauty of cultural heritage.
