Día de los Muertos Parade

During Día de los Muertos, those celebrating traditionally visit and ornately decorate the graves of loved ones who have passed away, build altars with flowers, gifts and tributes. This year, the first-ever Día de los Muertos Parade will be held by Mercado on Fifth in the Quad Cities on Saturday, Oct. 22, in observance of this traditional Mexican holiday.

The Día de los Muertos-themed floats and parade entries that organizations and families enter will honor the tradition. The procession will conclude with a Second Line, a joyful tradition. This indicates that all guests are welcome to join the procession and continue walking along the route after the final parade participant.

The Día de los Muertos Food Truck Festival is held at the Vibrant Arena parking lot from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. immediately following the parade. This fun festival will feature local food trucks, retail vendors, a beer garden and live music from Chicago’s Tamborazo Chanillos. Guests can look forward to delicious bites from Cocina Verde, Raulito Tacos, Tacos al Vapor, Restaurante el Mariachi, Rob’s Smokin J’s, Tamales for Hope, Mi Chelita and Miguel’s Street Tacos. Finally, an exclusive Luis Coronel concert with special guest Banda La Super Ranchera will conclude the day as a grand finale.

Admission is free. However, tickets for the concert start at $25.

For more information, visit mercadoonfifth.org.