Thanks to a strong Latino community and the support of local arts organizations, every year the Twin Cities sees several Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. This year, the Minnesota History Center hosts a celebration featuring traditional Aztec dance, a puppet show telling the story of the holiday's traditions, live music, demonstrations, treats and prizes. Workshops are offered in which you can create a clay skull or a shadowbox to honor the memory of a loved one.
The biggest celebration happens in St. Paul's District del Sol. Festivities include a Ceremony for the Little Angels on Friday, and a sugar-skull-making class, a tour of ofrendas (offerings for the deceased) and a traditional procession and ceremony on Saturday. (Little Angels: 7 p.m. Fri. El Rio Recreation Center, 179 E. Robie St., St. Paul, 651-222-6347. Procession & ceremony: 6 p.m. Sat., beginning at 175 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul.)
Latino community organization Centro offers a traditional tour of altars. (Noon-6 p.m. daily through Nov. 5. Free. 1915 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. 612-874-1412.)
Lake Street's Mercado Central throws a traditional celebration with Aztec dancing, traditional foods, maskmaking, music, candlelit procession to El Colegio and an exhibit of ofrendas by students and community members. (2-9 p.m. Mon. Free. Mercado Central, 1515 E. Lake St, Mpls. 612-728-5401.)
And continuing through Nov. 14 is the Young People's Ofrenda Project put on by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, an exhibition featuring ofrendas created by students from urban charter school El Colegio. (Free. 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls., 612-870-3131.)
