Montgomery DAYTON
Dia de Muertos parade
On Sunday, the Dayton Dia De Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade and celebration returns this year and will include Mexican traditions with some unique Gem City twists. This year, all activities will be outdoors.
Dia De Muertos is a unique and colorful holiday observed across Mexico, the southwestern United States, Latin America and right here in Dayton. During Dia De Muertos people reminisce on the lives of loved ones who have died by creating and sharing ofrendas (Day of the Dead altars), food, sugar skulls, papel picado banners, processions, calaveras (skulls) music, traditional dance while wearing sugar skull painted faces and bright costumes.
The grand marshals will be representatives from the Dayton Book Fair.
New for 2021 – prizes will be awarded for “Best Presentation.” Participants can choose traditional clothing/make up, puppets, hand-carried/wheeled floats. First prize will be $100 gift card for a local restaurant, with second and third prizes at $50 and $25. Criteria for award include Best Cultural Representation, Creativity, Execution.
12–2 p.m. - Gather for the Pre-Parade activities at 5th and Jefferson streets. Expert face painting and the new 2021 Dayton Dia De Muertos T-shirt for sale. Food Truck, and Billie Gold Bubble Tea will be there for refreshments.
2-3 p.m. - The Dayton Dia De Muertos Parade departs 5th and Jefferson and proceeds through the Oregon District in Downtown Dayton to Dutoit Street, with arrival at the Missing Peace Art Space
3–6 p.m. - Music, food and a celebration of the lives of friends and family members who have passed. Orgullo Mexicano (student dancers), Leslie Perez and The Alacran De Durango (Mexican folk music), and Team Void (Lucha Libre Surf Rock) will perform. Rev. Cool of WYSO’s Around the Fringe show will MC the event and D J high energy traditional and not so tradition Latin dance beats between sets and to end up the evening.
Traditional foods available from vendors. New this year: a recreation of a Mexican cemetery with community offrendas (altars).