Find family friendly ways to celebrate Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead
El Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is fundamentally a holiday about celebrating with your family — it’s just that this celebration includes family members who have died as well as those who are living.
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that roughly coincides with All Saints Day (on Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (on Nov. 2), versions of which are also celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and Methodists. The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration involves multiple days of families and friends gathering to remember those who have died by sharing food, drink, stories, or gifts in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Decorated sugar skulls (calaveras), special bread (pan de muerto), and marigold flowers are associated with the colorful altars (ofrendas) that people build for their Day of the Dead celebrations. These ofrendas can be built in communal spaces, in cemeteries, or in people’s homes. They usually feature mementos of departed loved ones such as photos, favorite foods, or other tokens used to include them in the festivities.
The Day of the Dead is widely celebrated in Mexico as well as by those of Mexican heritage wherever they may be living, including here in East Central Illinois. Many people choose to emphasize the Indigenous or Aztec elements of the holiday’s varied customs, so it has also become an important way for Mexicans to celebrate their pre-Columbian culture and history.
Upcoming Local Events
The Champaign Park District has set up a Día de Muertos ofrenda at the Martens Center, 1515 N. Market St. in Champaign. Members of the public are invited to stop by during open hours to leave pictures of ancestors and other offerings before its celebration on Nov. 2 (details below).
Other Ways to Celebrate
- In previous years, we have seen some owners of our favorite Mexican restaurants in C-U put up ofrendas to prepare for the Day of the Dead. If an ofrenda is in a public area of their business, they may be happy to answer your family’s questions about it (if they have the time, of course).
- Local establishments worth checking out for pan de muerto: Panadería San Miguel and Rick’s Bakery, both in Urbana. Let us know if you try some!
- Feeling crafty? Try 20+ Day of the Dead Crafts and Activities for Kids.
- Local stores have been carrying more and more Day of the Dead related items, whether you’re shopping at Dollar Stores, party stores, or big-box stores. And many area florists will be ready with real marigolds.