Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday on November 1–2 that celebrates the lives of departed loved ones rather than mourning their deaths.
In recognition of this ancient celebration of life, Downtown Highland Park is hosting their 2nd annual Día de los Muertos Week, transforming the district into a vibrant corridor of themed experiences led by local businesses.
“Día de Los Muertos is an important tradition for so many in our community, and neighborly bonds that bridge cultures and build community are so important, now more than ever.” Highland Park Mayor, Nancy R. Rotering, said.
The week-long program kicked off Saturday with a free community celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Memorial Park Gazebo, at 405 Prospect Avenue, where a large-scale Ofrenda served as an anchor for the festivities.
This year, the Ofrenda or altar was designed by resident and designer Jessica Rivero. This year’s theme — corn, the seed that gives life, as a reflection of Earth as the source of all creation, and in offering corn of every color, a reminder that no matter our skin, origin, or belief, we all come from the same earth.
“My inspiration for the Ofrenda really started as a way to connect to my roots, a way to honor my family in Mexico,” Rivero said.
Diana Gran, Día de los Muertos program director and owner of Diana Gran Portraits, says the Ofrenda becomes a shared space for creating memory, unity and connection.
“Visitors can leave written messages or add photos, find educational displays inviting them to learn more about the DDM tradition, the symbolism and meaning behind each altar element, and a QR code leads to an interactive Altar Journey through Highland Park,” Gran said.
According to Gran, the community Ofrenda installation will draw visitors in to tell their own story of Dia de los Muertos, while decorative planters will extend the celebration throughout downtown. Inspired by the altar, each planter features cultural symbols such as marigolds, skulls, and corn elements. Together, these coordinated displays create a unified thread across locations, connecting the community through curated events, music, art, and traditions that honor Día de los Muertos.
Participating community partners and businesses include The Art Center, Highland Park, The Highwood Library, The Park District of Highland Park, Baird & Warner, Diana Gran Portraits, Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting, Indus Progressive Indian, La Taquiza, Nicolaz and Son Landscape, Pixca, Soulshine Boutique & Healing Sanctuary, Tamales Restaurant, Wayfarer Theaters, Yoga6, Secret World Books, and many others.
Saturday’s family-friendly event featured the unveiling of the community Ofrenda or altar, crafts and activities for the kids and cultural performances by Urban Gateways Danzas Ceremoniales De Mexico Nahui Ollin.
Tania Morgan of Highland Park attended Saturday with her family.
Morgan says her kids attend Oak Terrace Elementary School in Highland Park, where they are learning two languages, Spanish and English, and also learning about the Day of the Dead.
“This is our community and we are here to support this beautiful celebration, especially at a time when people are being targeted by the color of their skin,” Morgan said.
According to the website, throughout the week, visitors can join cultural experiences ranging from Latino food and drink tastings and cooking demonstrations to craft workshops and performances. A limited number of DDM Experience Passes are available for $35 in advance and $45 at the kick-off event, offering access to wine and tequila tastings, pan de muerto baking, sugar skull decorating, papel picado workshops, cempasúchil flower arranging, and more.
“While the centuries-old tradition of Día de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico, it is based on a belief that those who have passed away are still close to us – a tradition that can be practiced across cultures, across religions, across borders, and by all,” Gran said.
For further DDM event schedule and registration, go to hpculturalarts.org.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
