PCM is excited to present its first celebration of Día de los Muertos, with its intergenerational ensemble Mariachi Pasadena! taking center stage. In addition to live music, guests will enjoy food from El Portal, face painting, and colorful altars, and can pay tribute to departed loved ones by playing a song or leaving messages at the ofrenda.

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Doors open at 5:30 and guests who arrive early will enjoy traditional Mexican fare – Yucatan tamales, tacos con pollo y carne, enchiladas, churros, and more – from El Portal (a neighborhood institution for more than 30 years!).

At 6:00, students and faculty from PCM’s Mariachi Pasadena! will discuss the history of and perform traditional songs from Mexico. Later in the evening, guests will be welcomed and encouraged to participate by performing a song in tribute to their departed loved ones – a chance to more deeply connect with the celebration of Día de los Muertos.

An artist will be onsite to provide face paintings of the Catrina Skull makeup, which celebrates the full cycle of life. Additionally, guests are invited to share gifts and notes for their loved ones at the ofrendas around the Courtyard.

To learn more about Mariachi and its role in celebrating Día de los Muertos, as well as the origins and significance of the Catrina Skull Makeup, check out our blog. We hope to see you on November 2 to celebrate life, Mariachi, food, and our shared humanity!

PCM is pleased to thank Roger and Gloria V. Mullendore for their generous support of this event.

If you, too, would like to make a donation to A Día de los Muertos Celebration or Mariachi Pasadena!, you may do so online or by mailing a check to:

Pasadena Conservatory of Music
100 North Hill Avenue
Pasadena, California 91106