2018 Events

Free and open to the public. Old Pasadena celebrates Dia de los Muertos with the Tour of Altars. 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 three Community Altars, a Salsa dance party with live music and calavera face painting, and pop-up weekend fun. All events are open to the public and are free and open to the public.

Tour the Armory’s Altar*

*Awarded Best Traditional by Old Pasadena District Management

Visit the Armory to view our altar honoring deceased artists and loved ones of Armory staff, faculty, and board members. The altar is made entirely from recycled, repurposed, and donated materials.

The Armory will also have a variety of free art activities for all ages:

• Honor Your Loved Ones on Our Altar

Grab a paper leaf, personalize it, and add it to our tree of life.  You can write a poem, draw a doodle, or simply write a loved one’s name.

• Free Calavera Face Painting, *Saturday - Sunday, 2 - 3 pm

Color it in, cut out the shapes you want, and string them together to bring your skeleton to life. You can make so many varieties!

• Photo Opportunities

Take photos or selfies with your friends and family using our handmade photo frames decorated with papel flores (paper flowers), images of calaveras (skulls), and paper leaves.

• Make A Day of the Dead Skeleton

Color it in, cut out the shapes you want, and string them together to bring your skeleton to life. You can make so many varieties!

• Day of the Dead Coloring Pages

Pick a skull you like and have a blast customizing it!

Out altar will be available for viewing through November 9th. *Please note: Face painting will only be available during specific times, all other activities available Saturday, Nov. 3 - Sunday, Nov. 4, 12 - 5 pm

Tour of Altars
Friday - Sunday, November 2 – 4
Participating businesses throughout Old Pasadena (printed maps soon to be distributed throughout the community). Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour of both traditional and contemporary interpretations of altars lovingly created to honor and celebrate the spirits of the dearly departed. Three community altars will also be on display.

Weekend Fun
Mercantile Place 
Saturday and Sunday, November 3-4 - 1:00-4:00 pm
Live music from Marimba Tropical and free calavera face painting set the mood all weekend long. Grab a map and take the Tour of Altars through Sunday evening.

     • Facebook Event