Bringing Día de los Muertos to Life at Pearl

Every year, the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos come alive at Pearl. Whether it’s a family tradition you grew up with or a celebration you're discovering for the first time, there’s a place for you here.

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is rooted in centuries of tradition. On November 1 and 2, we gather to eat, drink, dance, and sing in remembrance of loved ones we’ve lost.

At the heart of the celebration is a joyful idea: that the souls of our loved ones will return to us to visit, share a meal, and be part of our community once more.

Although it falls near Halloween, it’s a separate holiday with its own meaning. When you experience a modern Día de los Muertos celebration, you’ll discover traditions like:

Calaveras: Skull imagery that appears in everything from sugar skulls and decorative art to the playful, colorful designs associated with the holiday

Calacas: Playful skeleton figures often shown wearing festive clothing, dancing, or taking part in everyday activities

Ofrendas: Altars created to honor and welcome lost loved ones, often adorned with candles, photographs, favorite foods, and marigolds (cempasúchil), whose bright petals and scent are said to guide souls home

Pan de Muerto: A deliciously sweetened, soft traditional bread often decorated with bone-like shapes on top

Alebrijes: Intricate folk art sculptures of fantastical, mythical creatures, typically crafted from papier-mâché or wood

Many people dress up in striking calavera makeup, share stories of the departed, and sing traditional songs. If you’d like to greet someone, you can give them a warm “Feliz Día de los Muertos!”

What happens at Pearl?

At Pearl, we’re excited to be celebrating Día de los Muertos for the 9^th year in a row. In partnership with the Mexican Consulate and Cultural Institute of Mexico, we’re planning and hosting a series of special events, vibrant gatherings, and one-of-a-kind art installations across our neighborhood, including:

• Stunning Ofrendas: Beautiful altars designed by local artists and community organizations displayed across the campus, including a suite of mini-altars and a community altar where visitors can leave photos of their lost loved ones.
• Must-See Art Installations: This year’s displays feature custom, 4-foot-tall calaveras painted by local artists, our own special set of alebrijes, Catrinas, a Tzompantli Wall, and Wind Phones to connect visitors with their ancestors.
• Live Music & Performances: Cultural showcases and live music performances like Recuérdame: Campanas at Stable Hall, and more throughout the neighborhood
• Unforgettable Culinary Experiences: Special tastings and menus at top-tier restaurants like Nicosi and Hotel Emma, and live experiences like Sabores de México at Stable Hall.
• Our Annual Procession: A traditional procession on November 1, bringing the whole community together in shared remembrance
• Family Activities: Workshops, face painting, and festive events for all ages

You can find all the information about this year’s schedule, event dates, and special happenings on the Día de los Muertos at Pearl Event Page. We invite you to join us in remembering, gathering, and celebrating together!