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.
R3 Construction Día de los Muertos Parade 2022 Photo Gallery
Register to be in the Parade!
The Group O Día de los Muertos Parade will start at 2 pm on Saturday, October 28th, in front of the Vibrant Arena and ending just off 19th St. and River Drive in Moline. There will be an After Life party on the Mercado grounds immediately following the parade. The After Life party headliner will be Banda Caliente starting at 6 pm!!
We are accepting applications for the following Parade entries:
Día de los Muertos Themed Floats
Specialty Units/Groups (including families)
Marching Musical Units
Equestrian Units
Vehicle Clubs
Commercial/Business Entries
Non-Profit Groups/School Clubs
NEW** Individuals and couples welcome
Día de los Muertos Parade Float Competition!
Along with your Parade entry you will be entered into our judging competition!
Float prizes will be awarded for 1st Place $750; 2nd Place $500; and 3rd Place $250.
2022 Día de los Muertos Parade Float Winners
Register your parade entry!
Here is a link to register your parade entry: 2023 Día de los Muertos Parade entry
Please note that all entries must be in the theme of Día de los Muertos. If you need help planning your float, costumes, etc. please don't hesitate to reach out.
Register to be a VOLUNTEER!
We are needing volunteers to help with set-up, crowd control, clean-up to make this event a successful one!
Apply to volunteer here: 2023 Día de los Muertos Volunteer
Register to be a vendor!
We will be closing 5th Ave for a limited number of food and retail vendors to sell from noon - 9 pm. The cost for Food vendors is $100 and retail vendors is $30.
Register to be vendor here: 2023 Día de los Muertos Vendor
Have Questions? FAQs
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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.
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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.
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Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 2:00 pm.
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The Group O Dia de los Muertos Parade will start at 2 pm on Saturday, October 28th. Beginning on 19th St. and River Drive in Moline and continuing down River Drive until 12th St. The route will finish near the Vibrant Arena with an after party on the Mercado grounds immediately following the parade.
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Plan to come early or stick around afterward. There will be face painters and food trucks starting at 12pm on Mercado grounds.
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Yes! All parade participants must register to be a part of the main parade. The fee is $50/entry. School groups are permitted free entry.
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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.
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Thank you for your interest in sponsorship! Please reach out to Maria Ontiveros at 941.343.7579 or via email at maria@mercadoonfifth.org for more information.