Dia de los Muertos Parade (South Omaha)

Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition of remembering loved ones with altars, marigolds, sugar skulls and celebration rather than mourning. In South Omaha the tradition takes to the street with a parade on historic South 24th Street, the main avenue of the city's Latino neighborhood.

The parade is part of the same family of cultural events as Fiestas Patrias and is promoted by Casa de la Cultura. Expect elegant catrina costumes, face painting, music and community groups carrying photos and flowers for those they honor.

For visitors it is a colorful, moving look at a living tradition, and it is a good excuse to explore the neighborhood's bakeries, where pan de muerto shows up in late October.

Highlights

• Catrina costumes and painted faces
• Marigolds, altars and remembrance traditions
• Music and community groups along South 24th Street
• Seasonal pan de muerto at neighborhood bakeries

Tips for going

• Face painting is part of the fun; many spectators come already made up.
• Be respectful around altars and memorial displays, and ask before photographing families.
• Park on side streets and walk to 24th Street.
• Late October evenings can be chilly; bring a jacket.