4th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration

📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Downtown Moline | Mercado on Fifth, 423 12th Street, Moline, IL

Join Mercado on Fifth for our 4th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration—a vibrant day filled with color, music, food, and tradition as we honor our loved ones and celebrate community. From morning to evening, downtown Moline will come alive with art, dance, food, and heartfelt tributes. 💐💀

What to Expect

🎶 Live Performances
Enjoy cultural showcases and local talent throughout the day—music and dance that will lift your spirit and bring the community together.

🎨 Family Activities & Art
Kids’ crafts, face painting, and hands-on art projects ensure there’s something fun for every age.

🌮 Vendors
Savor authentic flavors, shop local treasures, and explore unique offerings from small businesses and artisans.

New Signature Features

🎭 El Camino de las Calaveras (The Path of Skulls)
Step onto the runway—or cheer from the sidelines—as participants showcase stunning Catrinas, Calaveras, and Día de los Muertos–inspired fashion in a cultural celebration of creativity and tradition. Sign-ups open soon!

🕯️ El Panteón de Ofrendas (The Altar Cemetery)
Walk through a breathtaking outdoor altar space, where families honor loved ones with flowers, candles, photos, and ofrendas. A place of remembrance, love, and connection.

🚗 Stationary Parade
Discover imaginative floats and displays from families, businesses, and organizations—all decorated with Día de los Muertos themes. Enjoy candy giveaways and interactive fun for the whole family!

Why Attend?

Día de los Muertos is more than tradition—it’s a celebration of life, memory, and community. Come dressed in festive attire, immerse yourself in culture, and leave with your heart full of joy.

Support the Celebration

💛 Become a Sponsor
Help us build the Quad Cities’ first-ever stationary parade and support Mercado’s mission to uplift culture and community. Sponsors receive recognition and benefits at various levels. To learn more, contact Frances Williams at frances@mercadoonfifth.org.

💛 Make a Donation
Can’t attend but still want to support? Contributions can be made online through PayPal: paypal.com/paypalme/mercadoonfifth.

✨ Join us for a day of culture, remembrance, and celebration—together, we honor the past and embrace the future.

JOIN US AND BE PART OF THE EXCITING CELEBRATION!

REGISTER TO BE A VOLUNTEER - CLICK HERE

REGISTER FOR El Panteón de Ofrendas (The Altar Cemetery) - COMING SOON!

REGISTER TO BE A VENDOR - CLICK HERE

REGISTER FOR THE STATIONARY PARADE - COMING SOON!

2025 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PARADE SPONSORS

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.

  • Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

  • Come early and stay all day—Mercado grounds will be full of fun starting at noon with face painting, food, and hourly entertainment, including live music, dance performances, stationary floats, and more!

  • Yes! All Stationary parade participants must register to be a part of the event. register through the links above.

  • All parade entries must reflect the stationary parade theme of Día de los Muertos.
    Plain-clothed or non-themed entries and participants will not be permitted. Spaces are limited, so please register early.

    General Float Guidelines:

    1. Candy, goodies, and promotional items may only be handed out in designated areas.

    2. A responsible adult must be present if children are participating.

    3. No real weapons or firearms are allowed (except by law enforcement) on Mercado grounds.

    4. Smoking and personal alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on Mercado grounds.

    5. Floats must be decorated on all four sides.

    6. No fire or flame-producing devices are allowed on floats, altars, or anywhere on Mercado grounds.

  • Thank you for your interest in sponsorship! Please reach out to Frances Williams at 319.853.8825 or via email at frances@mercadoonfifth.org for more information.

  • Yes, you can find the registration forms above.

    eservation Required
    Families must reserve a table (11 large, 19 standard available). Tables are first-come, first-served. Once reserved, we’ll contact you with setup details.

    Setup & Decoration

    • Setup anytime before the event; ofrendas must be ready by 12:00 PM.

    • Include traditional elements: photos, marigolds (cempasúchil), candles/LEDs (no open flames), food, drinks, or mementos.

    • Avoid Halloween-themed candy.

    Sharing
    Small treats or goodies representing your altar are welcome.

    Respect & Safety

    • No weapons, drugs, alcohol, or open flames.

    • Secure items for outdoor conditions.

    • Be mindful of neighboring altars.

    Tear Down
    Families are responsible for cleaning up and removing all decorations at the end of the event.