Dia de los Muertos altar contest set at History Center

The Des Plaines History Center invites the public to compete in its first-ever Día de los Muertos altar competition Saturday, October 24, at the History Center, 781 Pearson Street. Altars, or ofrendas, are an essential part of the Mexican celebration Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Ofrendas are collections of specific objects displayed on a table to honor an individual who has died.

Applications are available at the History Center and at www.desplaineshistory.org. Submission deadline is October 13. Only 12 applications will be accepted since space is limited. Rules and more information are included on the application. There is no entry fee for this contest.

The altars will be displayed on the grounds of the History Center, and three finalists and one “public vote” winner will be announced at 4 p.m. on the day of the event. The winning altar will be on exhibit at the History Center from October 24-November 3. The History Center thanks the following event sponsors: State Farm Agent John Villegas, Forever Yogurt Des Plaines, Tap House Grill, Law Office of Jory Chelin, and Restaurant Mexico.

Call 847-391-5399 for more details. When online, visitors are invited to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and become a member to receive updates, bulletins, and newsletters.

The History Center is supported by the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other local business and community contributors.