Rep. Delgado Amplifies Dia de los Muertos Events

CHICAGO – State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, is highlighting two Dia de los Muertos events hosted by members of the community.

On Nov. 2, in the Hermosa neighborhood between Pulaski and Kostner, ‘Hermosa: Noche de Calaveras’ features activities for kids, music and sugar skulls to decorate and display during the holiday season. In a mercado style, local businesses and organizations are welcome to set up altars to commemorate the pan-american holiday celebration. 

“Noche de Calaveras is a great opportunity to come together and celebrate an important Latin American holiday,” Delgado said. “As we celebrate the life and impact of our departed ancestors, we can also connect with others in the community doing the same thing. There is truly something for everyone at this event.” 

‘Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery’ is an exhibit at the Field Museum opening Oct. 21 and curated by Norma Rios-Sierra, a resident of the district. The exhibit explores how humans and animals alike celebrate, experience and grapple with death. Attendees can see how a whale’s body serves a small ecosystem for local plants and sea creatures and how different cultures across the world think of the unifying experience of death. 

“I was very much inspired by my father who died of COVID in January of 2021. My papa was the person who taught me to dream big and always encouraged me as an artist. I am an artist today because my father believed I could be,” Rios-Sierra said. “I grew up as a Mexican immigrant in a world that oftentimes made me feel unwelcome and even invisible. Getting the opportunity to create something so personal but so public makes me feel seen and validated and I know it has to mean so much to all those other little Mexican girls out there. The entire experience has made me so proud of myself and my culture.” 

“Our community has always had a strong creative and artistic element to it, and I am happy to be highlighting Norma Rios-Sierra’s contribution to the Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Field Museum,” Delgado said. “Norma has created stunning displays throughout the city that celebrate the Latino community. This exhibit continues this tradition in new and inspiring ways. I welcome all to attend and support our community curator.” 

For more information about Noche de Calaveras, contact State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado’s office at evadina@staterepdelgado.com or 773-237-4558. 

For more information about ‘Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery’ contact press@fieldmuseum.org.