Days of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican ancestry all over the world, including the United States and especially in Kansas City, Kansas! The holiday is celebrated by building private altars termed “Ofrendas”, honoring the dead with “Calaveras” (skulls), Aztec marigolds, delicious food, and beverages that the deceased enjoyed, and leaving these gifts at their gravesites and altars. 

Day of the Dead Event 2022

Kansas City, Kansas is home to a big Day of the Dead Celebration and Parade that is organized by the Central Avenue Betterment Association. The festivities happen along Central Ave in the heart of KCK. Here are some activities to expect at this year's celebration taking place on Saturday, November 5th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM! 


Make an offering to the Ofrenda or buy something to take home to your ofrenda

Day of the Dead - Ofrenda

The most representative element of the Day of the Dead holiday is the altar with its offerings known as an Ofrenda. These altars are very personal and a representation of their vision of death, full of allegories and meaning. 


Eat delicious local food

Day of the Dead - walking 2

Kansas City Kansas is home to so many delicious Mexican food restaurants. While you're on Central Avenue, check out the restaurants that are on the KCK Taco Trail, and don't forget to check in! 


Get your face painted 

Day of the Dead - face painting

People also adopted the representation of skulls by painting their faces with spectacular designs, adorned with allegorical figures, colors, and designs that accentuate the structure of the skull that we all carry below the skin, reminding us that beauty is soft and weak like our skin but the Spirit is strong and lasting like our bones.


Enjoy live music and cultural performances

Day of the Dead - singing 2

Spectacular live shows will be taking place on multiple stages along the parade path where local artists and musicians will entertain the crowd while waiting for the parade to start.


See all the Catrinas walking in the parade!

Day of the Dead - Parade

The Day of the Dead Parade will be held in Wyandotte County. In this nighttime parade, you will see monumental skulls, floats, and Catrinas dancing on Central Avenue from 6th street to 15th street. With more than 30 floats the parade will evoke the historical stages of Mexico from the pre-Hispanic era to the present times, this will include local participants, local businesses, motorcycle clubs, custom cars, and dance groups.

 

Have a fun, safe, and kind time celebrating the Day of the Dead in Kansas City, Kansas!