2nd Annual Día de los Muertos Parade

Downtown Moline, IL | Saturday, October 28, 2023

Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday that varies in length of celebration but 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.

Group O Día de los Muertos Parade & AfteriLife Party Gallery

 

Have Questions? FAQs

  • Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The holiday is observed on November 1 and 2 but, depending on the location, the celebrations may last a week to the entire month of November.

  • Yes! Mercado on Fifth encourages anyone who appreciates this holiday to participate, no matter your ethnicity. In order to engage in cultural appreciation rather than cultural appropriation, it is important to remember that creative expressions of Dia de los Muertos are intended to represent our love and honor for those who have preceded us in death. During your parade participation, keep in mind and act from this deep human connection that is at the heart of the holiday’s significance.

    We believe in creating a welcoming environment in order to learn, collaborate and bring awareness to Latin culture and traditions. In supporting and celebrating Latin culture in a respectful and educated way, you help increase our minority community’s recognition and help build community integration.

  • Date pending

  • Pending

  • Plan to come early or stick around afterward. There will be face painters and food trucks starting at 12pm on Mercado grounds.

  • Yes! All parade participants must register to be a part of the main parade.

  • All parade entries are required to showcase the parade theme of Dia de los Muertos. No plain-clothed, non-themed entries or participants will be allowed. We are only allowing 100 entries to participate.

    General Float Guidelines:

    1. Float entry into judging competition is voluntary. Floats will be judged on the following:

    - Adherence to the Dia de los Muertos theme

    - Originality & Creativity

    - Workmanship

    - Overall appearance and adherence to all listed rules.

    2. No one may get on or off the float once it has started down the parade route.

    3. No dangling legs over the edge of the float.

    4. No candy or other items can be thrown during the parade. Walkers may hand out these items if desired.

    5. There must be a responsible adult present if any children are riding or walking with the float.

    6. No real weapons/firearms allowed (except by law enforcement) on any float entry.

    7. No smoking or alcoholic beverages on any parade entry at any time before or during the parade.

    8. All floats should have an 8” clearance from the ground.

    9. The pull vehicle must be able to travel slow enough to avoid stalling.

    10. Float must be decorated on all four sides.

    11. No fire or flame-producing devices are allowed on floats.

  • Thank you for your interest in sponsorship! Please reach out to Frances Williams at 720.593.0545 or via email at fran@esmercadoonfifth.org for more information.