On November 2nd, more than 4,000 people celebrated CLUES Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos at the Midtown Global Market. The event was presented and organized by CLUES, with the collaboration of Midtown Global Market and Telemundo Minnesota, and Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Minneapolis Great Streets, the McKnight Foundation, and the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.  

Javiera McGuiggan, the emcee of the event, welcomed by highlighting the importance of honoring our rich Latine heritage and the vibrant Indigenous cultures that bring us together to celebrate families, community, and those who are no longer with us but are part of who we are during Dia de los Muertos.  

Dr. Carla Manzoni, Director of CLUES Arts and Cultural Engagement, talked more about our traditions and the free art workshops occurring at the event. She mentioned that the Day of the Dead is a Catholic celebration in Latin America, fused with indigenous beliefs in Mexico. It is a celebration of family and community close and far, across geographies and time, an exercise of remembrance that helps all of us reconnect with our roots and share our stories with the younger generations!   

Several local Latine artists held live workshops where attendees could learn about creating a Mini Altar design with Ivonne Yáñez, Calavera Painting with Marina Castillo, Matchbox Mini Altars with Cadex Herrera, Catrina Face Painting with Javier Reyes and Daniela Jimenez. Around 1,700 visited and joined the workshops.  

During the event, people enjoyed the live performances of Saul and Luke Conjunto Mexicano DUO, Herencia de Morelos Chinelos, and Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca. Some of the activities that took place at the event were the Photobooth created by the artist Mikha Dominguez, pan de muerto and hot chocolate sold by Manny's Tortas Restaurant, and a Community Altar created by Monica Vega, on which all the attendees were able to put a picture of their loved ones.  

The event culminated with the spectacular parade of Alebrijes and Mojigangas created by Gustavo Boada that went through the market. The puppets' colors and artistic details reminded us of the importance of keeping our traditions alive and sharing them with the new generations. The event resulted from the strength and unity of the Latino community, who once again came together to celebrate and remember those who are no longer with us but who live in the heart of our tradition.