2024 Highland Park Día de los Muertos Ofrenda Highlights
The 2024 Día de los Muertos Week in Highland Park, Illinois was a moving celebration of culture, memory, and community. From October 25 to November 2, residents and visitors came together to honor loved ones through art, food, and music — turning Downtown Highland Park into a vibrant destination for reflection and joy.
The Heart of the Celebration
At the center of DDM Week stood the community ofrenda at Sister Cities Foundation Park, designed collaboratively by local artists and volunteers. The altar glowed with marigolds, papel picado, candles, and photographs — each offering telling a story of love, remembrance, and continuity.
Families and visitors were invited to contribute their own items, transforming the installation into a living tribute. The ofrenda reminded everyone that Día de los Muertos is not a day of mourning, but a celebration of life and connectionacross generations.
Sendero de Flores: A Path Through Downtown
A favorite highlight of the week was the Sendero de Flores, a cultural scavenger hunt that connected local businesses through art and storytelling. Visitors collected stickers on a commemorative card, each representing an element of the altar — earth, wind, water, and fire.
The Sendero de Flores guided families to participating shops, studios, and restaurants offering DDM-inspired experiences, from marigold-themed crafts and painting classes to special menus and cultural workshops. Those who completed their card joined a city-wide celebration that blended tradition with discovery.
Workshops, Classes & Special Offers
Throughout the week, DDM partners hosted hands-on workshops, art classes, and culinary experiences inspired by Día de los Muertos. Visitors learned to decorate sugar skulls, craft paper marigolds, paint Catrinas, and explore the meaning of each altar element. Local restaurants and boutiques also offered DDM-themed specials, from signature cocktails and pan de muerto to art prints and handcrafted keepsakes — all celebrating the essence of remembrance.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
Thanks to the collaboration of the Downtown Highland Park Alliance, local artists, business owners, and volunteers, DDM Week 2024 brought the community together like never before. The combination of the ofrenda, Sendero de Flores, and interactive workshops made this year’s celebration a heartfelt reminder of how tradition, creativity, and community thrive when shared.
Looking Ahead
As Highland Park looks forward to DDM Week 2025, plans are already underway for new altars, classes, performances, and even more immersive cultural experiences.
✨ Follow @DowntownHighlandParkIL and visit ddmweek.com for photos, videos, and upcoming announcements about DDM Week 2025.
