Altars, Loteria, Music At Aurora Day Of The Dead Celebration

AURORA, IL --- The streets, shops, and restaurants of downtown Aurora will be filled with traditional Mexican music, works by Latin-American artists, and a memorial altar for the city's Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 2. The event, which is part downtown Aurora's monthly First Fridays gatherings, will also feature a loteria and several family-friendly activities at nearly two dozen venues.

An opening ceremony will mark the start of the Day of the Dead celebration at 4 p.m., which will continue in the parking lot of SciTech Hands On Museum from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where the main part of the event will take place.

Those who attend the celebration are encouraged to bring mementos and photos of loved ones to post at altars Santori Library and Aurora Public Art.

Other activities planned for the Day of the Dead Festival include:

• "Dia de los Muertos" art show at If These Walls Could Talk Custom Framing and Gallery from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Face painting by Jose Art at Balderas Beauty Salon from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Los Alibrejes" popup at Two Brothers Roundhouse
• Day of the Dead Fashion Show at La Quinta de los Reyes at 9:30 p.m.

Visit the downtown Aurora website for more information on the city's Day of the Dead celebration.

Image credit: Getty Images/Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Staff