Destination

Portland’s Día de los Muertos Celebration Is Worth a Trip

Party like the dead at the Mexican festival.

By Allie Oosta October 25, 2011

Bring out your dead—or your sugar skulls.

Photo courtesy of The Crafty Chica.

Portland is getting in touch with the cultural significance of Dia de los Muertos. The Mexican holiday is usually celebrated on November 1 and 2, but this year, downtown’s Someday Lounge is hosting their fourth annual Day of the Dead party early so kids can get an extra day out of their Halloween costumes. Here’s the lineup for the events at the artsy lounge, happening this Sunday:

-The festivities kick off with sugar-skull decorating and altar building from 11am to 2pm at Someday Lounge. The altars represent a happy celebration of passed loved ones, so you’ll need a photo, sugar skulls, or any kind of artistic pieces to stack. Sugar skulls can be decorated with edible materials like frosting and sprinkles (tasty!), or with beads, markers, and fabrics. Fill up on free hot cocoa and snacks.

-The party gets mobile at 2pm for the downtown parade starting at Pioneer Place Mall. Kids and adults are encouraged to participate in costume—a mummy, ghoul, or monster getup works, but Spider-Man and Sponge Bob Square Pants are welcome, too. Musicians, marching bands, and other community groups will also be in the procession.

-Postparade, there will be live performances of mariachi and flamenco-style bands from 4 to 6pm, along with delicious Mexican food and drinks. Sweet pan de muerto bread is a holiday tradition.

To buy your sugar skulls in advance, check out Casita International, La Tienda Folk Art Gallery, or Home Cake Decorating Supply Co. Try not to eat them on the way to Portland.

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