CHICAGO — While Día de los Muertos festivities kicked off over the weekend, the holiday, which celebrates the lives of deceased friends and family, officially begins Wednesday.
From alebrije painting to a skeleton procession, here are seven Day of the Dead events happening in Pilsen and other neighborhoods this week:
Día de los Muertos: After Dark: The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen will keep their galleries open late Thursday to celebrate Día de Los Muertos. From 6 to 8 p.m., guests will have a chance to view the Día de Muertos: A Spiritual Legacy exhibit, make Día de los Muertos-themed post-cards and masks, and enjoy pan de muerto. Free. 6-8 p.m. Thursday; National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
Día de los Muertos Adult Art Workshops: The National Museum of Mexican Art and AARP Illinois are teaming up for a series of Día de los Muertos-themed workshops. On Wednesday, participants will learn about the various components that make up an ofrenda (altar) and will create a collective ofrenda that will be on display at the museum for Day of the Dead events. Free. 2-4 p.m. Wednesday; National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
39th Annual Muertos de la Risa: Pilsen’s longest-running Día de Muertos celebration will start at Dvorak Park with face painting, activities and performances followed by a 6 p.m. community procession featuring large puppets, decorated hand-pushed carts and ofrendas. Free. 3:30-8 p.m. Friday; Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St., Pilsen.
Día de los Muertos Celebration at The Boys and Girls Club: The Boys and Girls Club in Pilsen and the Resurrection Project’s Increase the Peace initiative are teaming up to celebrate Day of the Dead. The family-friendly event will include face painting, a photo booth, live music and more. Free. 5-8 p.m. Friday, Boys and Girls Club, 2157 W. 19th St., Pilsen
Noche de Los Muertos: Grass Root Events will celebrate the holiday with an evening of culture, music, dancing and all-you-can-drink Micheladas at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in Hermosa Friday night. At the 21+ celebration, DJs Iggy, MDOK, Cheech will spin Latin and hip hop music, while folks can get free calavera face painting done from 9-11 p.m. Proceeds will benefit 2019’s Dia De La Concha. Tickets $20-30. 9 p.m. Friday- 1:30 a.m. Saturday; Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, 4046 W. Armitage Ave., Hermosa.
Día de Muertos Alebrije Painting at DeColores Pilsen: Alebrije artist Carlos Orozco will teach the history of alebrije in Oaxacan culture, and demonstrate the process of creating alebrijes at DeClores in Pilsen Saturday. Artists will receive a pre-carved, unpainted alebrije made at Orozco’s artists’ collective, Puech Ikots, in Mexico. Tickets $25-$35. 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday; Colores Pilsen, 1626 S. Halsted St. in Pilsen.
Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball: The National Museum of Mexican Art will host an evening celebrating the life and spirits of los muertos Saturday. The event will include live music by Quinto Imperio and DJ Pablo Serrano, food from Chicago’s eateries and an open bar. Proceeds from the event will support the museum’s art programs. Pre-sale tickets are $125 and $150 at the door. 6-10 p.m. Saturday; National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
