Photo provided courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) and the Santa Monica Pier Corporation are honoring Día de los Muertos, highlighting the traditional Mexican cultural celebration of life and death, with a larger than the after-life art installation on Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.
Sculptures of La Catrina, one of Día de los Muertos’ most recognizable figures, by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero will be viewable at nine locations throughout the Promenade and four locations on the Pier beginning Saturday, October 31 – Monday, November 2.
Soltero’s iconic sculptures of La Catrina range up to 14 feet in height and welcome guests to the Promenade and Pier in brightly colored traditional Mexican attire inspired by Day of the Dead traditions and Mexican icons and embroidery. La Catrina was first born out of Mexican social satire and has become a well-known figure in celebration of the holiday.
A portion of this art installation is funded by the City of Santa Monica’s Cultural Affairs Art of Recovery initiative, a grant program dedicated to funding projects by local artists and highlighting the important role arts and culture plays in recovery efforts as they strengthen and connect Santa Monica.
DTSM and the Santa Monica Pier remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of the community, visitors, and staff. Face coverings are required when visiting the art installation on Third Street Promenade and on the Santa Monica Pier and all guests are encouraged to practice physical distancing. Each art piece will be properly spaced out to ensure there is enough room to view them safely.
For more information on the new health and safety guidelines as well as details on what to expect when visiting the Third Street Promenade or the Santa Monica Pier, please visit downtownsm.com and santamonicapier.org.