Creating an ofrenda is an essential part of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, and coinciding with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on the Roman Catholic calendar.
According to tradition, it is believed that on the Day of the Dead, Nov. 2, families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives to spend time with their loved ones, eat their favorite food and have a celebration of life.
Hundreds of Chicagoans lost to the coronavirus are being remembered as part of Day of The Dead ofrendas throughout the region.
“Día de los Muertos teaches us to turn the pain, the grieving, into love and appreciation for the time we had those people in our lives, in our community,” said Isabel Hernandez, a longtime Pilsen resident who created a 15-foot ofrenda in her backyard to celebrate the life of more than 250 people lost to COVID-19.
Here’s a list of events that will commemorate the Mexican holiday in the Chicago area:
At the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
Día de los Muertos: After Dark, Nov. 1.
The museum will be open for extended hours until 8 p.m. with family-friendly creative activities. Registration is required for some activities. Visit www.NationalMuseumofMexicanArt.org for more details.
Virtual Gallery Tours: Día de Muertos — A Time to Grieve & Remember, Nov. 6-7; English tours begin at noon, Spanish tours at 1 p.m.; free.
Docent-led tours guide visitors through the gallery and discuss highlighted works of art from this year’s exhibition focusing on the ofrendas, artworks and installations from the Day of the Dead. Via Zoom.
Day of the Dead Xicago Festival, Oct. 30, 3-8 p.m., free.
The museum and its surroundings will be transformed into a space to remember the loved ones who have passed away. On this special day, guests can enjoy ofrendas created by community members, musical performances, art activities and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum.
Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball, Nov. 6, 6-10 p.m., $125
The National Museum of Mexican Art’s Auxiliary Board is hosting a celebration that honors life and the spirits of los muertos. The ball includes food from Chicago restaurants, adult beverages and live music. The in-person event will take place at the museum. COVID-19 vaccination required.
In Pilsen and Little Village
Massive ofrenda honoring Pilsen neighbors lost to COVID-19. On 19th Street between Throop and Loomis, light are turned on after 6 p.m.
Isabel Hernandez of Pilsen turned her pandemic grief into a 15-foot ofrenda to honor her neighbors’ loved ones. The seven-tier altar in her yard is adorned by more than 250 photos of people from her community who lost their lives.
Isabel Hernandez is creating a massive Day of the Dead ofrenda altar in her Pilsen yard. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
Dia De Los Muerto: Panteon Pilsen at St. Procopius, 1641 S. Allport St., Oct. 30 at noon and Oct. 31 at 8 p.m.
Parishioners will build elaborate traditional ofrendas to remember a loved one in the field next to the church to celebrate Day of the Dead.
The tombstones will be placed in the Soccer Field in an 8-by-8-foot space for each ofrenda. The suggested donation to reserve a tombstone with ofrenda space is $50. Decoration and setup of the altar space will take place on Friday evening, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. and Saturday morning, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The ofrendas will be blessed at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
In addition, a screen will display the images of parishioners, friends and family members who have died. If you are interested in having an image of your loved one displayed, email the image to ddmstp18@gmail.com.
Villarte: Recorrido de Ofrendas (Day of the Dead Altar Walk), 3700 W. 26th St., Nov. 6-7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VillArte-Chicago La Villita is hosting the 16th Annual Little Village Arts Fest 2021 with its 6th Recorrido de Ofrendas, a celebration of the Día de los Muertos tradition. The two-day event will feature altars at designated business storefronts along 26th Street. Information: https://fb.me/e/2IYWya6yU
In Back of the Yards
Back of the Yards Día de los Muertos Procession and Celebration, 1400 W. 46th St., Oct. 23, noon to 2 p.m.
The 10th annual Back of the Yards celebration of the Mexican holiday will feature a vehicle procession, art and musical activities.
In Logan Square
Día de Muertos: Una Celebración de la Vida en Logan Square, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Oct. 30, noon to 8 p.m.
The Comfort Station and the Logan Square Neighborhood Association will host an event featuring food vendors, live music and storytelling. There will also be a showcase of memorial flags produced by community members during a series of public workshops with artists Carina Yepez and Erica Littlejohn. The flags will adorn the outdoor installation designed by Via Architects + Dise？adores. There will also be ofrendas designed by local artists and community members, as well as an altar that community members are invited to contribute to.
Submit information about celebrations happening in the Chicago area to: larodriguez@chicagotribune.com.
A guide to Day of the Dead celebrations and ofrendas in Chicago: ‘Turn the pain, the grieving, into love and appreciation’
56m
Man, woman face charges in chase that resulted in Chicago cop accidentally shooting 2 colleagues; guns, 36 pounds of pot found in car, police say
1h
Chicago weather Awaiting Chicago’s 1st fall freeze and the return of La Ni？a. Here’s what to expect this winter.
2h
Nation & World FBI: Dental records prove remains found in Florida park are those of Gabby Petito’s fiancé, Brian Laundrie
2h
Business For loyal Portillo’s customers, IPO puts a new item on the menu: shares in a favorite company
10:49 AM