Dia de los Muertos Parade

The Milwaukee Molotov Marchers lead the 2012 Dia de los Muertos Parade around the Walker’s Point Neighborhood. All photos by Angela Morgan

Everyone has their own way of grieving the loss of a loved one. There is a Latino holiday that honors those gone by celebrating their lives on Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Tied to the Catholic traditions of Mexico, the celebration occurs on Nov. 1 and 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The origins of the holiday began in Mexico (more than 3,000 years ago) and today it is celebrated in several countries around the world.

The third annual Dia de los Muertos Parade was held Friday, Nov. 2 in Walker’s Point. People gathered at Walker Square Park beforehand to prepare for the parade. Face painters were on hand and masks were available to anyone needing something for the parade. The masks were created by those who recently attended a series of free community art workshops held at Sweet Water Organics. Alterra Coffee Roasters kept everyone warm with complimentary coffee and volunteers from United We Dream gave out champurrado, almost like a version of light chocolate milk with vanilla and cinnamon.

Milwaukee’s Dia de los Muertos Parade was conceived by Celesté Contreras to preserve, promote, and share the traditions and significance of the Day of the Dead. She continues to organize it annually, and with the help of numerous community organizations and residents, the parade is growing every year. Latino Arts, Inc., Walker’s Point Center for the Arts, and The Milwaukee Public Theatre were large contributors to the parade, while Walker’s Square Neighborhood Association hosted the space for pre and post-parade activities.

Led by the Milwaukee Molotov Marchers, the parade traveled through the neighborhood with walking ofrendas (meaning offering in Spanish) before returning to the park. Several speakers addressed the crowd during the vigil to pay respects to those recently passed and to bring awareness of recent tragedies in Milwaukee. Paster Steve Jerbi spoke to the crowd about Derek Williams, a 22-year-old Milwaukeean who died in police custody. Rick Kohen spoke about his 28-year-old son, Justin Kohen, who was stabbed to death in April in a suspected robbery. The vigil ended with an Indian chant and moment of silence. Following the vigil, Ballet Folklórico Nacional gave a performance around the campfire before the evening was done.

There is still time to view art exhibitions for Dia De los Muertos. Walker’s Point Center for the Arts will have their exhibition of ofrendas and Day of the Dead artwork curated by Jose Chavez on display through Nov. 17.  The Latino Arts Gallery is showing an eclectic collection of ofrendas from local and international artists through Nov. 16.

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