Day of the Dead: The Chicago National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates Día de los Muertos with the Xicágo event in Pilsen

CHICAGO (WLS) – The National Museum of Mexican Art’s “Día de los Muertos Xicágo” event is a celebration that grows larger every year.

This year, the celebrations brought together 100 local families who created traditional ofrendas, or offerings, in honor of their loved ones who are no longer with us.

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As the sun set in Chicago on Saturday, hundreds gathered in Pilsen's Harrison Park around a large screen projecting the faces of 800 souls no longer with us. They are the loved ones of many in the predominantly Mexican community, which for the past decade has celebrated the Day of the Dead in a unique way, allowing families to bring the traditional altars set up in people's homes outside for the holiday others can do this Share the stories of those who are no longer here.

“We do this every year and it's basically our way of honoring our ancestors, those who have passed away,” said attendee Nancy Gallegos. “And I think it's a really nice opportunity for everyone else to share their story. The opportunity to share who they were and what they enjoyed.”

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Ofrendas large and small could be seen on the baseball diamond behind the museum.

Maria Riojano worked until 4 a.m. putting the finishing touches on an offering dedicated to her brother Jesus, a victim of gun violence who died last year at age 17.

“It was really important to me to do this for him because he’s my only brother,” Riojano said. “My little brother was taken away from me way too soon, and I just wanted to highlight and honor him and his life.”

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Another ofrenda was put together by Jessica Zapata. Her sister Lupe was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. She was only 47.

“It's about letting her know that she was here with us and sharing her life,” Zapata said. “Like everything she did for everyone. It was a blessing to have her there.”

For this reason, ofrendas are set up in the homes of many Mexican families to welcome back the souls of those we have lost for a day-long celebration where their favorite things are provided for them to enjoy. Candles and sidewalks light their way home.

“That’s the most important part,” said participant Erick Torres. “It’s a reminder of all the good times we had. You know, from small to where we are now. To pass this on from tradition to tradition. To make sure this doesn’t end.”

This year's event was so popular that registration opened and closed within days for families who wanted to attend. Organizers said they think every year about how to allow more people to participate.

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