The Mitchell Park Domes hosted a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 25, bringing Milwaukee families and community members together for a night filled with food, music and cultural tributes.

Running 6-9 p.m., the event featured live performances, traditional ofrendas, face painting and vendors spread across the domes and greenhouse, creating a lively, family-friendly environment.

People celebrate Día de los Muertos, or day of the dead, annually on Nov. 1 and 2. Originating in Mexico, it honors deceased loved ones through ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photos, favorite foods, and meaningful items, allowing families to share time and memories with them. 

Traditional Decorated Ofrendas

The beautifully crafted ofrendas honoring community members and students was a highlight at the event. The Domes’ staff created a special altar adorned with photos, mugs, coffee, bread, and a tequila bottle to welcome the spirits of their deceased loved ones.

Ofrenda honoring deceased loved ones by Mitchell Park Domes and Milwaukee County Parks staff. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

The Escuela Verde created another touching tribute to honor students and teachers who have died, highlighting that the community remembers them.

Escuela Verde’s ofrenda for deceased students and staff. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

Traditional Mexican Folk Dances

The greenhouse provided a bustling area for food vendors offering traditional dishes, with tables set up for guests to enjoy their meals. 

Food and seating area at the greenhouse. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

Within the same space, dancers from the Ometochtli Mexican Folk Dance Company captivated audiences with Aztec performances in vibrant, colorful attire. 

Aztec dances performed by Ometochtli, Mexican Folk Dance Company. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

Another traditional Mexican dance featured performers adorned with floral hairpieces and traditional Mexican dresses.

Traditional Mexican in Traditional Mexican attire performed by Ometochtli, Mexican Folk Dance company. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

Bringing the Community Closer to Culture

The celebration at the Domes brought these customs to life for attendees, blending festive and reflective moments. One Milwaukee resident found the event as an opportunity to reconnect with his heritage. 

“My family is from Mexico, but I’m really detached from the culture,” said Vincent Martinez, a recent Milwaukee resident. “I’m just curious to explore that side.”

Inside the dome, mariachi musicians and traditional folklórico dancers performed. The music and dance captivated the audience with a lively 30-minute dance set that embraced Mexican cultural traditions.

Mariachi and folklórico performance in the Show Dome. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

“It’s really cool to be here after seeing it [Mitchell Park Domes] from a distance; it’s been fun,” said Kathryn Lawson, an attendee at the event. 

Additionally, local face painters, including Dandelion Designs, offered designs for children and adults.

Dandelion Designs by Grace Doome, a local face painting business, working at the face painting stand. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

There were also craft tables that allowed guests to make paper flowers, origami and even floral crowns.

One of the craft stands, picture framing crafts stand in the Show dome. Credit: Leslie Nicolas-Miletty

“Overall, the organization is really nice, with a good flow of traffic, and everything is well laid out and decorated,” said Martinez. “I appreciate the acknowledgment and ofrendas honoring the community as well.”