MOLINE, Ill. — Mercado on Fifth's third annual Día de los Muertos parade and fiesta will return to Moline on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Families, individuals and organizations are invited to join in commemorating those who have passed on, while embracing the traditions that make Día de los Muertos so special.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. and go along River Drive in Moline from the Vibrant Arena at the MARK down to 19th Street.
The event schedule includes:
- 10 a.m. - ofrendas y recuerdos
- There will be live mariachi music at Mercado's alter, where you can also treat yourself to Catrina makeup. The public may also enjoy an open market with food and vendors.
- 2 p.m. - desgile / parade
- The parade will proceed down River Drive.
- 3 - 5 p.m. - fiesta
- Mercado will host an open market with live music from Grupo Estilo Versátil.
It's all to mark the Day of the Dead, which is a traditional Mexican holiday. It's celebrated on November 1 and 2 and is a family reunion, of sorts. It combines the ancient Aztec celebration of ancestors with the Spanish invaders' All Souls' Day. Dead ancestors are the guests of honor that are able to reunite and celebrate with their living loved ones.
Candlelit alters are set up in homes, lighting the way back for the spirits. Families often put their loved ones' favorite foods on the alter as well, including important objects such as books or musical instruments.
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