Visit us at our headquarters in the East Side of Saint Paul, or at our offices in Minneapolis, Willmar, and Austin.
Office hours. Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Saturday-Sunday: Closed - Click here for holiday closure dates
Visit us at our headquarters in the East Side of Saint Paul, or at our offices in Minneapolis, Willmar, and Austin.
Office hours. Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Saturday-Sunday: Closed - Click here for holiday closure dates
On Saturday, November 1st, CLUES came alive with the colors, sounds, and spirit of Día de los Muertos — a beautiful Mexican tradition dedicated to honoring our departed loved ones. The event was presented by CLUES, hosted by the Midtown Global Market, and funded by the City of Minneapolis, Visit Lake Street, the McKnight Foundation, and US Bank.
Families from diverse cultural backgrounds came together to celebrate life, memory, and community in a day filled with music, dance, art, and meaningful connections. More than 3,500 people attended the event, making it one of our most vibrant community gatherings of the year.
At the heart of the celebration stood the community altar (ofrenda), created by Monica Vega. Where guests were invited to bring photos of their loved ones who have passed. Each image, candle, and marigold became a symbol of remembrance — transforming the space into a vibrant tribute to those who continue to live in our hearts.
The event’s performances captured the essence of Mexican heritage. Los Rebeldes filled the air with the rich sounds of regional Mexican music, while Kalpulli KetzalCoatlicue amazed audiences with their powerful, traditional folkloric dance. Miguel Ángel Fernández brought the soul of mariachi to life, evoking deep emotion and joy across generations. Lastly, we had the participation of Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca, who showcased the Mexican pride that their dances represent. Filled with joy and inspiration, their performance earned the applause of the entire audience.
Families also had the chance to create and connect through art. Children and parents alike joined in Catrina face painting and flower crown making with the talented artist Daniela Jiménez. At the same time, the artist Cadex Herrera guided guests through the unique tradition of soap sculpture art.
Families and children also had the opportunity to color their own plastic skulls, assemble wooden skeletons, and color them. The Día de los Muertos event was full of fun—many people enjoyed the photobooth to capture memories of this day filled with tradition, and enjoyed hot chocolate and Pan de Muerto from Manny Tortas.
What made this event truly special was the diversity of the crowd. It wasn’t just the Latino community that came to celebrate — people from many cultures joined to learn, honor, and share how they too remember their ancestors. The energy was one of unity, love, and understanding. Everywhere you looked, people of all ages and abilities were dancing, singing, and celebrating together.
Día de los Muertos at CLUES reminded us of a powerful truth — “La Cultura Cura” (Culture Heals). Through music, art, and shared memory, we strengthen our community and keep the stories of our loved ones alive.
Gracias to everyone who joined us to celebrate life, love, and heritage. Until next year — ¡Que viva la cultura y nuestros recuerdos!
CLUES is a nonprofit public charity recognized as tax exempt by the IRS under section 501(c)(3). CLUES tax ID: 41-1386986. Our Donor Privacy Policy can be found here.
