“The month of October is what most Americans associate with traditions of Halloween. We start to tell the traditional stories and legends of Hallow’s Eve. People of all ages start to look for the perfect costume for that one time of the year where we can pretend to be someone else. For the most part, this is a holiday of leisure, entertainment and scares. In Mexican and various Latino cultures, this is a special time of year for them to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed.

“The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. Due to occurring shortly after Halloween, the Day of the Dead is sometimes thought to be a similar holiday, although the two actually have little in common. The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration, where partying and eating is common.”

Even if this is not the traditions of your culture, it is always great to expand perspective on how others live their lives. The Navy Pier is hosting a Mexican culture celebration and and exhibition incorporates fun activities, mask-making, live music, dance and sugar skull painting to honor the departed. Experience the art of ofrenda building, a Mexican altar decorated with symbols of rebirth in remembrance of their deceased loved ones and much more! This is all for the $mart cost of zero dollars! The event begins November 1st and continues until November 4th from 10am to 3pm daily. For more information regarding this event, visit the Day of the Dead website.