Dating back to the Aztecs of Mexico, Día de Muertos (often back translated as Día de los Muertos) is a day for families to gather and remember their loved ones who have died. These celebrations include altars with photos and offerings, and often festivities at cemeteries.
Locally, you’re likely to see bright-colored skull candy, painted skull faces and pan de muerto (a traditional Day of the Dead bread). If you’re looking to get around the city and suburbs this year to learn about and enjoy Día de los Muertos, there is plenty to do.
Día de los Muertos Xicágo
Oct. 30, 2021
- Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by watching the Museum and its surroundings transform into a beautiful space to remember our loved ones. On this special day, guests can enjoy ofrendas created by community members, live musical performances, art activities and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum.
Sugar Skull Making-Day of the Dead/Dia de Los Muertos Family Workshop
Oct. 30, 2021
- Address: Workshop 4200, 4200 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $20
Explore the rich culture and colorful traditions of Mexico through the sugar skull making process. You can bring a photo of your loved ones who has passed and place it on our community ofrenda (offering) during the workshop. Join afterwards for champurrado (a Mexican corn based hot chocolate), pan de muerto (sweet bread roll) and tamales. Day of the Dead coloring and activity sheets will be available for children who attend. Best for ages 5-12.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 31, 2021
- Address: New Maxwell Street Market, 800 S. Desplaines St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy family fun featuring traditional arts and crafts, pumpkin decorating, live music and more! The event will celebrate the Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican holiday combining ancient Aztec customs of remembering ancestors during “All Soul’s Day.”
Sugar Skull City
Through Nov. 7, 2021
- Address: Downtown Aurora, 8 E. Galena Boulevard, Aurora
- Cost: Free
Aurora Downtown is honoring Day of the Dead, the beloved Mexican cultural tradition, with Día de los Muertos art, activities, specials, videos, shopping and more.
Día de Muertos – A Time to Grieve & Remember
Through Dec. 12, 2021
- Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Join the museum for their 35th annual Day of the Dead exhibition to honor and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones through this time-honored tradition. In this exhibition, they invite you to contemplate this moment with new artistic expressions by local artists and site-specific installations created by artists from both sides of the US-Mexico border.
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