3rd Annual Día de los Muertos Parade

Downtown Moline, IL | Saturday, November 2nd, 2023

Día de los Muertos is a cherished Mexican holiday, typically celebrated on November 1 and 2, although festivities can vary in length. This special time allows us to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed away. We celebrate by visiting and beautifully decorating gravesites, creating vibrant altars filled with flowers, mementos, and offerings, and embodying the spirit of the Catrina, a beloved skeletal figure.

At Mercado on Fifth's Día de los Muertos Parade, we invite organizations and families to join us in commemorating the lives of those we’ve lost while embracing the rich traditions that make this holiday so meaningful. Let’s come together to celebrate and remember!

Event Schedule:

10 AM - OFRENDAS Y RECUERDOS

Enjoy live mariachi music at our altar and treat yourself to stunning Catrina makeup.

Join us for an open market brimming with delicious food and fantastic retail finds! It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!

2 PM - DESFILE / PARADE

Join us for the 3rd Annual Parade along River Drive in Moline, or watch as we honor loved ones with beautiful floats and groups.

3 PM - 5 PM - FIESTA

Come join the celebration with an exciting open market and live music from Grupo Estilo Versátil!

It's the perfect way to start your weekend and find fantastic local finds. Don’t miss out!

Don’t miss this amazing day!

2024 PARADE ROUTE

SIGN UP TODAY | ¡REGÍSTRATE HOY!

Simply click on the images below to register. | Simplemente haz clic en las imágenes a continuación para registrarte.

Group O Día de los Muertos 2023 Parade & AfterLife Party Gallery

 

2024 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PARADE SPONSORS

Have Questions? FAQs

  • Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The holiday is observed on November 1 and 2 but, depending on the location, the celebrations may last a week to the entire month of November.

  • Yes! Mercado on Fifth encourages anyone who appreciates this holiday to participate, no matter your ethnicity. In order to engage in cultural appreciation rather than cultural appropriation, it is important to remember that creative expressions of Dia de los Muertos are intended to represent our love and honor for those who have preceded us in death. During your parade participation, keep in mind and act from this deep human connection that is at the heart of the holiday’s significance.

    We believe in creating a welcoming environment in order to learn, collaborate and bring awareness to Latin culture and traditions. In supporting and celebrating Latin culture in a respectful and educated way, you help increase our minority community’s recognition and help build community integration.

  • Nov. 2, 2024

  • Pending

  • Plan to come early or stick around afterward. There will be face painters and food trucks starting at 12pm on Mercado grounds.

  • Yes! All parade participants must register to be a part of the main parade. register through the links above.

  • All parade entries are required to showcase the parade theme of Dia de los Muertos. No plain-clothed, non-themed entries or participants will be allowed. We are only allowing 100 entries to participate.

    General Float Guidelines:

    1. Float entry into judging competition is voluntary. Floats will be judged on the following:

    - Adherence to the Dia de los Muertos theme

    - Originality & Creativity

    - Workmanship

    - Overall appearance and adherence to all listed rules.

    2. No one may get on or off the float once it has started down the parade route.

    3. No dangling legs over the edge of the float.

    4. No candy or other items can be thrown during the parade. Walkers may hand out these items if desired.

    5. There must be a responsible adult present if any children are riding or walking with the float.

    6. No real weapons/firearms allowed (except by law enforcement) on any float entry.

    7. No smoking or alcoholic beverages on any parade entry at any time before or during the parade.

    8. All floats should have an 8” clearance from the ground.

    9. The pull vehicle must be able to travel slow enough to avoid stalling.

    10. Float must be decorated on all four sides.

    11. No fire or flame-producing devices are allowed on floats.

  • Thank you for your interest in sponsorship! Please reach out to Frances Williams at 720.593.0545 or via email at frances@mercadoonfifth.org for more information.