Day Of The Dead is an ancient Mexican tradition, and you can celebrate here in Milwaukee.
It’s not the Mexican Halloween, despite arriving shortly after our trick or treating season.
Day Of The Dead is an ancient Mexican celebration that mixes Christian and indigenous traditions.
Families build offerings or altars with traditional and personal items, and they welcome back the spirits of those who have passed.
Typical items you’ll see at a Day of the Dead celebration include marigolds, sugar skulls, and pan de muerto, a special sweet bread.
Here are some family-friendly events where you can learn more about the holiday and take part in the festivities.
1. Kohl’s Art Generation Family Sundays: Día de los Muertos
Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Celebrate loved ones through art making, music and more during this annual cultural event. Explore the colors and symbols of Day of the Dead in hands-on art activities. Create a remembrance of someone special that has passed away to add to the community ofrenda.Traditional dancers perform at the Art Museum’s annual “Dia De Los Muertos” Family Sunday event.
The cost to attend Kohl’s Art Generation Family Sundays: Día de los Muertos is included in Museum admission. Thanks to Kohl’s, Museum, attendance is always free for kids ages 12 and under. General admission pricing is $19 for adults; $17 for students and free for members.
2. Walker’s Point Center For The Arts 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition
October 21 – November 11, 2022
839 South 5th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Website
The longest-standing Día de Los Muertos celebration in Milwaukee, celebrating life and death while exploring ancestral connections, living expressions of culture and traditions through community altares and artwork by local and regional artists.pca-milwaukee.org
3. UCC/Latino Arts Día de los Muertos Ofrendas Exhibit
On View: October 20 – November 18, 202
1028 S. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Open Gallery Hours: (October 20-November 18)
Monday – Friday 10:30 a.m. – 7:30p.m.
Website
The Latino Arts Center’s annual Día de Los Muertos Ofrendas exhibit features ofrendas and installations from The Mexican Consulate, University School of Milwaukee and other schools and local artists.
4. Day of the Dead celebrations at the Domes
Friday, October 28, 202: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Website
This annual event is hosted by the Friends of the Domes and features traditional ofrendas throughout the Domes, a decorated Desert Dome, Mariachi music, dancers, food, art, and more.
5. Día de los Muertos Festival and 5K
Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum
Saturday, October 29th, 2022
5k Run/Walk through cemetery grounds begins at 9am
Festival 10am-3pm
Website
Celebrate the circle of life by remembering the lives of those who are no longer among us. Culture, Community and Remembrance.
Dia de los Muertos at Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum is a free, family friendly event, bringing together face painting, altars and ofrendas, food trucks, local vendors, community resource booths, traditional music and kids activities and crafts.
5k Run/Walk through cemetery grounds begins at 9am
Festival 10am-3pm
6. Community Ofrenda
Local resident Jason Gonzalez began a community ofrenda outside of his home. People can add photos and items to remember their loved one. It’s located at 1st and Plainfield in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood.