Book Club Chicago: From art exhibits and theater to bar crawls and parties, here are various ways to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Chicago this month.
CHICAGO — Chicago is gearing up to celebrate Día de Los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that honors relatives and loved ones who’ve died.
Día de Los Muertos, which translates to “Day of the Dead,” is a celebration of life often honored through ofrendas, or altars, alongside plenty of other traditions like cuisine and dance.
Celebrations start in late October with the holiday being recognized Oct. 31-Nov. 2, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate all over the city and include artist markets, community ofrendas, outdoor festivals, arts-and-crafts workshops and parties.
Here are 21 ways to celebrate Día De Los Muertos in Chicago:
Where Memory Lives: 40 Years Of Día De Muertos
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Nov. 29
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
The National Museum of Mexican Art presents this year’s Day of the Dead exhibition, “Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos.” Head to the museum through Nov. 29 to see the 40th annual exhibition as the museum celebrates four decades of collecting, preserving and celebrating Mexican art and culture.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Subiendi Muertos
8 p.m. Oct. 23-24
UrbanTheater Company, 2620 W. Divison St., Humboldt Park
This immersive theater experience staged by UrbanTheater company combines the rituals of Day of the Dead with improv elements. There will also be an interactive ofrenda for audiences.
Tickets are pay what you can. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Día De Los Muertos Motorcycle Run
9 a.m. Oct. 24
Stockyard Gate, Exchange Avenue and Peoria Street, Back of the Yards
This annual motorcycle run is celebrating its 15th year of Día de los Muertos festivities with a ride through Back of the Yards.
Learn more here.
Xempasúchil: Día De Los Muertos En La Calle
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Various locations, Little Village
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Día de los Muertos with a two-day crawl through the neighborhood. Visitors can look forward to traditional ofrendas at different local businesses, live Catrinas and Cartines at different shops, plus free traditional food and drinks. There will also be commemorative photo booths throughout the neighborhood to capture all the fun.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
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