Day of the Dead Festivities in Indianapolis, Indiana

The Day of the Dead, held on November 2 every year, is a traditional Mexican holiday for honoring deceased friends and loved ones. Because of its proximity to Halloween and the costumes worn by many participants in Day-of-the-Dead celebrations, many people misconstrue this holiday as an alternate version of Halloween, but it is actually a time for reverent remembrance of those who have passed on. Due to Indianapolis' growing Hispanic community, this day of celebration has taken on more local meaning in recent years. As a result, in addition to more private celebrations, Indianapolis is now home to two very strong public festivals to help you commemorate the Day of the Dead.

Day of the Dead - Indianapolis Art Center

Located in the trendy Broad Ripple area of the city, the Indianapolis Art Center has been holding its Day of the Dead festival since 2000, responding to Indy's burgeoning Latino and Hispanic cultures. Held on the last Saturday in October or the first Saturday in November (whichever happens to be closer to November 2), the Day of the Dead festival includes hands-on activities, tours of shrines and altars, food, and various celebrations. While you're there, you can also soak in the ambiance of the Indianapolis Art Center, which was founded after the Great Depression to help artists find jobs. The Center is dedicated to art education and provides a great opportunity to view and purchase the works of local artists.

Día de los Muertos Festival: A Celebration of Remembrance - Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum (ISM) recognizes Indianapolis' vibrant Mexican culture by hosting a Day of the Dead celebration at the end of October. Careful to draw a distinction between this Latino staple and American Halloween traditions, ISM emphasizes this joyful nature of this Mexican celebration. Participants in ISM's festival will have an opportunity to build their own paper mementos, learn about memorial altar construction, and explore the relationship of the beautiful Monarch butterfly to the Day of the Dead. The Indiana State Museum is located just West of downtown Indianapolis on Washington Street (U.S. Highway 40).

After you've stored away your Halloween costumes for the year and recovered from your candy glaze, don't forget that the Day of the Dead is just around the corner. Attend any of these celebrations for a glimpse into the Mexican culture and a chance to reflect on those special people that may no longer be with us.