Aurora's Sugar Skull City Honors Day Of The Dead Through November

AURORA, IL — For three weeks, Aurora is transforming into Sugar Skull City to celebrate Day of the Dead. Until Nov. 6, residents and guests can partake in a slew of activities celebrating the beloved Mexican tradition.

It's the third year Aurora Downtown — a nonprofit organization that plans events to enhance downtown Aurora — is hosting the event, which kicked off Friday.

Sugar Skull City activities include walking tours, restaurant specials, a market and a scavenger hunt — many of which can be enjoyed leisurely. The celebration culminates with a First Fridays event and Sugar Skull City market during the first week of November.

At the market, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5 at Society 57, 100 S. River St., guests can shop Hispanic-owned businesses and artisans, Day of the Dead-themed merchandise and vendors visiting from Oaxaca.

Dozens of downtown storefronts will be painted by local artists and decorated with festive displays for the holiday. Ofrendas, or altars, honoring the dead will be on display at several merchants, including Balderas Beauty Salon and Divas, 25 N. Broadway. Store owner Clara Diaz will host festivities with body painter Jose Art in the parking lot behind the salon during First Fridays, organizers said.

A map pinpointing all 41 participating businesses and restaurants is published on Aurora Downtown's website. The graphic shows where to find special Day of the Dead merchandise, altars, painted storefronts, menu specials, and Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead.

Here's a look at some activities happening in the next few weeks as part of Sugar Skull City.

• Take a self-guided tour of downtown storefronts decorated for Day of the Dead.
• Try specials and menu items from restaurants honoring Day of the Dead traditions. Participating eateries include Altiro Latin Fusion, La Quinta de los Reyes, La Central Bakery, Torresmania and more.
• Participate in the Sugar Skull City Scavenger Hunt and find as many Pan de Muerto in storefronts — there are 14 total.
• Buy an official Sugar Skull City tote bag at The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, Society 57, Wyckwood House, The Cornucopia Shop and Aurora Regional Fire Museum.
• Download Day of the Dead coloring pages.
• Enjoy an evening of Day of the Dead celebrations at First Fridays Nov. 4.
• Participate in an ofrenda contest at Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St.

A full list of activities and restaurant specials can be found on Aurora Downtown's website.