For a third year, Old Pasadena celebrates Day of the Dead, the reverent yet vibrant Mexican holiday that honors loved ones who have passed before us.
During the three-day event, dozens of Old Pasadena businesses will create beautiful altars in their spaces to showcase during the self-guided Tour of Altars. The weekend also includes a salsa dance party, calavera face painting, live music, free lectures and workshops, and merchant promotions.
All events are open to the public and are free admission unless otherwise noted.
Old Pasadena Day of the Dead 2017 poster.
Fri, Oct. 27 – Sun, Oct. 29
– Tour of Altars
Participating businesses throughout Old Pasadena
(During business hours)
Visitors are invited to take a free self-guided tour of both traditional and contemporary interpretations of altars lovingly created to honor and celebrate the spirits of the dearly departed. A panel of judges will visit each altar and award monetary prizes in six categories. The Tour of Altars includes Wings of the Dead, the 2017 Community Altar created by Los Angeles artist Sonia Romero. Dedicated to our ancestors and honoring the natural cycle of life, the altar highlights the migration of monarch butterflies, said to be the souls of the dead returning home to Michoacán, Mexico, in early November. The public is invited to honor a loved one by leaving a written message on a paper butterfly.
Visitors will find Tour of Altar maps on our website www.oldpasadena.org/dayofthedead and printed maps at each merchant altar location and special activity sites during the event weekend.
Fri, Oct. 27
– Wings of the Dead Community Altar & Artist Reception
6:00-9:00pm
Indiana Colony Marketplace, 59 E. Colorado Blvd.
The public is invited to view and participate in the 2017 Community Altar created by Sonia Romero and a print release party for “Wings of the Dead,” the 3D limited edition print that inspired the altar.
– Salsa Dance Party Presented by La Junta
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Big Bang Theory Way, 109 E. Union St.
La Junta presents a salsa dance exhibition and instruction to get everyone warmed up for open dancing with DJs, live percussion, and horn.
– Free Calavera Face Painting
6:00 – 8:00pm
Big Bang Theory Way, 109 E. Union St.
– Amara Chocolate $1 Drink Promotion
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Amara Chocolate & Coffee, 55 S. Raymond Ave.
$1 Hot or Iced Spicy Aztec Dark Chocolate Latte, $ 1 Hot or Iced Spicy Dark Hot Chocolate Drink (Picosa), and $ 1 Hot or Iced Chocolate Drink to anyone who mentions the Day of the Dead event.
Sat, Oct. 28
– Music with Marimba Tropical
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Mercantile Place at Raymond Avenue.
– Free Calavera Face Painting
2:00 – 4:00pm
Mercantile Place at Raymond Avenue.
– “Chocolate: Gift of Mesoamerica”
1:00 – 2:00 pm
POP Champagne Bar
33 E. Union St.
UCLA Lecturer and chocolate guru Lee Scott Theisen, Ph.D. draws connections between the origins of chocolate and Day of the Dead traditions beginning 3,000 years ago. Gourmet chocolate tastings are included!
Space is limited, advance registration required.
– “La Madrina de Pasadena: The Remarkable History of Doña Eulalia”
3:00-4:00pm
POP Champagne Bar
33 E. Union St.
In the spirit of honoring our influential ancestors, Pasadena historian Roberta H. Martinez shares the story of centenarian Doña Eulalia Pérez de Guillen Mariné and her impact at the Mission San Gabriel and the early days of Pasadena and surrounding areas. A mole tasting is included!
Space is limited, advance registration required.
– Make & Take Sugar Skull Craft
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Paper Source
163 W. Colorado Blvd.
Make a sugar skull card or mask using crafty materials while supplies last ($8).
Sun, Oct. 29
– Music with Marimba Tropical
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Mercantile Place at Raymond Ave.
– Free Calavera Face Painting
2:00-4:00pm
Mercantile Place at Raymond Ave.
– Make & Take Sugar Skull Craft
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Paper Source
163 W. Colorado Blvd.
Make a sugar skull card or mask using crafty materials while supplies last ($8).
Old Pasadena Day of the Dead is presented by Old Pasadena Management.
