Sunday, October 30, 2011

Day of the Dead Parade Draws Hundreds Of Participants In The South Side Hispanic Community

Photos: HNG

Hundreds of people paraded in celebration of the Día de los Muertos.

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 30, 2011

Milwaukee - On Friday, the Milwaukee Mijas sponsored Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead Second Annual Parade in the predominately South side Hispanic community drew nearly 1,000 people. The parade began just after 5:00 p.m. at Walker's Square Park in the 900 block of W. Washington St. The parade proceeded East on Washington St. and then turned North on S. 5th Street to Walker's Point Center for the Arts in the 800 block.
Last year, the parade drew about 450 people and this year, the Day of the Dead parade attracted more than double of participants.
The traditional Día de los Muertos also allows time for people to become creative and display or showcase offerings at altars known as ofrendas depicting pictures and items used by loves ones when they were alive and who now have moved on to eternal rest and peace. The displays (ofrendas) can to be seen by the public, family members and friends of the honored dead.
El Dìa de los Muertos is a traditional festival that dates back to pre-Colombian times in the Americas that celebrates the lives of those who have passed and moved on to the afterlife, according to Milwaukee Mijas website. Colorful masks, costumes, dancing and music are a part of the pageantry of this vibrant ancient festival. Milwaukee Mijas celebrates the traditional holiday with a community-based parade and and several displays to honor the dead, which attracts people of all ages from various communities as well. 
The celebration takes place around November 1st and 2nd, especially in Mexico. During the two day remembrance, family members and friends get a chance to once more remember or mourn those who have passed away.

Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos parade on video at following link: http://bit.ly/tiDJuZ

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