MOLINE, Ill. — Mercado on Fifth is throwing a celebration for Dia de los Muertos for the second time with a parade in downtown Moline on Saturday, Oct. 28.
The parade is sponsored by Group O and will step off at 2 p.m. in front of the Vibrant Arena, ending just off 19th St. and River Drive.
There is a pre-party scheduled to take place at the Mercado grounds starting at noon. The "After Life" party runs after the parade from 3:30 to 8 p.m. The band headliner of Banda Caliente starts at 6 p.m.
Mercado describes their celebration as such:
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday that is customarily observed on November 1 and 2. Día de los Muertos is a time to honor loved ones who have passed by visiting and elaborately decorating gravesites; creating altars with flowers, commemorations, and offerings; and expressing oneself as a Catrina (skeleton figure). Through Mercado on Fifth's Día de los Muertos Parade, we encourage organizations and families to honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones and to show appreciation for the traditions that surround the holiday.
Mercado is accepting applications for the following entries:
- Dia de los Muertos-themed floats
- Specialty units/groups, including families
- Marching musical units
- Equestrian units
- Vehicle clubs
- Commercial/Business entries
- Non-profit groups, school groups
- Individuals and couples
There is a judged float competition, with cash prizes awarded for first, second, and third place.
To register an entry, click here for a Google doc.
The parade vendor application can be found by clicking here.
Volunteers are needed for set-up, crowd control, and clean-up. Volunteers can sign up here.