What you'll experience at the Dia de los Muertos Parade and Fiesta
The Día de los Muertos Parade and Fiesta is quickly becoming a vibrant tradition in the Quad Cities. Coming up on its third year running, this event celebrates the Latin American cultural holiday Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
The 2024 celebration will be held on November 2.
This event was created by Mercado on Fifth, a nonprofit organization that hosts outdoor markets every Friday during the summer on 5th Avenue in Moline, Illinois. Mercado's home-base building is located at 423 12th Street and is adorned with must-see art completed in 2022 by Chicago-based contemporary artist Czr Prz. 
The Parade
Held in the heart of Moline's booming Floreciente Neighborhood, the parade will pay homage to the holiday, celebrating and honoring the lives of loved ones through floats, decorations, traditional dress, and other commemorations. Within the parade's lively atmosphere, onlookers and participants will enjoy live music, equestrian groups, catrinas, and more.
Each year parade attendance and participation grows. People come together in a beautiful array of traditional clothing and sugar skull makeup. Floats are built as alters to honor and memorialize loved ones who have passed on.
The Fiesta
Parade attendees are encouraged to keep the celebration going at the Fiesta.
For the entire month of October, the Mercado building will be the Día de los Muertos Parade and Fiesta headquarters. Floats, altar builds, and other preparations will be ongoing to make the 2024 event the best yet!
Stay in the loop with updates about the Parade and Fiesta, here!
The Market
Since 2016, Mercado on Fifth has been turning 5th Avenue in Moline into an energetic celebration of Hispanic culture with family-friendly events, food trucks, mobile boutiques, retail vendors, children's activities, and live music and entertainment. It's festival-like atmosphere has attracted community members and visitors from all walks of life and backgrounds to celebrate together.
Learn more about Mercado and Fifth and plan your trip!
More ways to celebrate
Oct 4th, 6-8 PM: Crepe paper flower making with the talented Granados family
Oct 11th, 6-8 PM: Sugar skull painting workshop with the Granados family
Oct 12th & 13th, 10 AM-3 PM: Puppet making with artist Brant Bollman
Oct 18th, 6-8 PM: Catrina makeup workshop with Anamaria Rocha - Sign up here, as spaces are limited
Oct 25th, 6-8 PM: Margs & Murals workshop with artist Nelly Cortez—just $30! - Sign up here, as spaces are limited
Check out photos from the parade below!