If you can’t make it to Mexico in early November, Day of the Dead in Chicago is a good alternative! Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a relatively new concept to me. My grandmother was born in Mexico, but it doesn’t seem that this is a tradition that the Amesquita family brought to the United States. It was only in Mexico City last year that I learned the real meaning and tradition of the holiday. As one of my tour guides explained, Dia de Los Muertos is a time to honor those who have passed on. An altar is built, and the deceased person’s favorite foods are cooked and left on the altar. The family goes away and upon returning, they will find that the food has lost its flavor, a sure sign that the spirit of their deceased loved one has visited and feasted upon their favorites.
Here is some interesting background I found at MexicanSugarSkull.com:
They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.
Of course, thanks to the Pixar movie Coco, millions of Americans now have an idea about the Day of the Dead, ofrendas, and La Katarina.
Day of the Dead Chicago
In late October 2016, I was riding the train home from a depressing Game 4 of the World Series, where the Cubs had fallen for the second night in a row to the Cleveland Indians. Scrolling through my phone, I came upon a story featuring the Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Pilsen the following day. Despite being exhausted from travel and late nights watching baseball, I knew this was my last fall in Chicago and if I wanted to experience it, the following day was my only chance. Knowing that you are moving away is a great motivator to seize the day! Fine. It was free bread – they were advertising free Day of the Dead bread. What can I say? You’ve got to try this bread!
Day of the Dead Chicago Ofrendas
Local families set up altars on a football field behind the museum. In addition to baked goods, sugar skulls are a popular symbol of Day of the Dead. Many altars included non-food items as well, representing the passions and joys of the deceased. It was touching to see the altars, many of which appeared to be for very young family members. I so love this tradition of honoring and celebrating those we’ve lost.
In addition to altars, there is also a kid station with craft projects and face painting, and booths selling food and hot drinks. Another field has a stage set up with live music throughout the day.
Getting to Chicago’s Day of the Dead Celebration
The festival is located at the National Museum of Mexican Art in the Pilsen neighborhood. (Check their website for the most up-to-date information, including dates and times of the next festival) An Uber from my River West neighborhood was pretty inexpensive. Street parking is also usually available, although you may have to walk a few blocks at the peak of the festival.
CTA or public transit is a great way to reach Pilsen – these three are the best options:
- Pink Line train to the Damen stop or 18th Street stop
- Number 50 Damen bus to 19th Street
- Number 9 Ashland bus to 18th Street
Check out my guide to the best area to stay in Chicago!
Have you attended a Day of the Dead celebration? Tell me where!
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I would love to experience Día de los Muertos in Mexico someday! Great article about how to get the experience stateside 🙂
I’m not crazy about how commercialized it’s become, and how much misunderstanding comes with that. That said, my family has always observed it, in the privacy of our homes, and we took turns with where the altar would be each year. Everyone contributed to it though. And- that park is right across the street from my childhood home 😊❤️
This is so cool! I’m in Mexico City at the moment and plan on being in Oaxaca for the festival this year, so excited to see the traditions etc. Thanks for sharing!
Great coverage on the National Museum of Mexican Art. This place is gorgeous and especially so during the Day of the Dead festivities! I would love to go back.
I would love to experience it once in my lifetime <3
it’s so interesting how many different cultures have similar festivals and customs. In China, they also prepare food and set up alters with old memorabilia to celebrate their dead ancestors.
I didn’t know that about China – very interesting!
This looks like so much fun! Your images are great too – nice little celebration of different culture!
Thanks so much for sharing.
I always wanted to go to la dia de los muertos, but not managed it yet. I am glad there are other alternatives that look super fun and having the same energy! Great post!
Definitely! I’m sure this pales in comparison to places like Mexico City or Oaxaca, but I think it’s cool to have multicultural celebrations practically in my backyard!
In the Philippines we have celebration similar to this. However this one in Chicago is quite colorful and very festive. Looks cool and it seems like everyone was having fun.
Very interesting! Chicago is quite a melting pot, so we’re lucky to experience other cultures right at home!
Not really heard of this before and wouldnt have thought it was celebrated in the US. Very interesting and quirky 🙂
Yes – many US cities with a large Mexican population have a celebration. I’ll be checking out how Tucson celebrates this year.
This is so interesting to know. We too have ceremonies for the dead in India annually. Would definitely want to visit Mexico someday!
I didn’t know that! Mexico is such a fascinating country, and very diverse – I hope you get to visit!
I am not hispanic, but I do love Dia de Los Muertos and all its festivities. Chicago is one of my favorite cities and it sounds like you really got a-lot out of living there. I live in Los Angeles, and will surely be checking out the Day of the Dead celebrations here.
For sure! Now I live in Tucson and I’m looking forward to seeing how they celebrate here.
Wow, I had no idea this was a real thing! I just thought it was in the movie COCO haha. How cool.
Haha – no, it’s a real thing, but Coco did a really good job of explaining it! Many cities with large Mexican populations have a celebration.
I too am guilty of learning about it from Coco! I knew it existed but I didn’t know exactly what it was!