This year, the family friendly event will take place from 2-8 p.m. Oct. 20 in downtown Dayton.
During Dia De Muertos, people reminisce on the lives of loved ones who have died with ofrendas (Day of the Dead alters), food, sugar skulls, papel picado banners, processions, calaveras (skulls) music, traditional dance and the famous skull painted faces and costumes.
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Here's how to take part in Dayton’s celebration:
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
THE SCHEDULE
Here’s what to expect:
• 2 p.m.: Gather for the pre-parade activities in Downtown Dayton at E. Fifth and Jefferson streets. There will be face painting on hand for anyone who would like to add to their outfit and T-shirts for sale.
• 4 p.m.: The parade departs and travels east down the middle of Fifth St. through the Oregon District in downtown Dayton to the Missing Peace Art Gallery, 234 S. Dutoit St. The Dayton Ballet will be participating in the parade as they prepare their world premiere ballet Dia de los Muertos as part of "Phantom Dances." Their performance opens Oct. 24 and runs through the 27th.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
• 5-8 p.m.: After the parade finishes, the celebration begins at Missing Peace. Entertainment includes authentic Mexican folkloric Dia De Muertos dancers from Orgullo Mexicano, traditional rancheros from the father and daughter singing team of Leslie Perez and the Alacran de Durango and an appearance by Dayton's own famed and mysterious original Lucha mask wearing rockers Team Void will all take place. Rev. Cool of WYSO's Around the Fringe show will MC the event and spin DJ Latin dance beats between sets.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
WHAT TO EAT
Traditional homemade Mexican food will be provided by the families of St. Mary's Church on Xenia Avenue in Dayton. El Meson's food truck will also be on hand serving up Latin American dishes.
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Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Traditional Dia De Muertos ofrendas (alters) will be on display. Mark Breuninghaus of The Flower Shoppe in Oakwood is donating traditional marigolds to help decorate the ofrendas.
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WANT TO GO?
What: Dayton Dia de Muertos
When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2-8 p.m.
Where: Dayton Dia De Muertos Parade departs and travels east down the middle of Fifth Street through the Oregon District in Downtown Dayton to the Celebration at Missing Peace Art Gallery 234 S. Dutoit St. (at East Fifth).
Cost: Free admission
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