Come paint sugar skulls at the Des Plaines History Center

After the Halloween Parade in downtown Des Plaines Saturday, October 25, children are invited to fly, gallop, or march into the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson Street, to paint their very own sugar skull from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Children will learn a little bit about art, culture, and history as they dip a brush into an array of colors and listen to stories about Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.

Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of friends and family members who have died. It is observed in Mexico from October 31-November 2. The holiday includes a tradition of creating altars called ofrendas to honor the deceased. Sugar skulls—just like the ones the children will be painting—are often placed on the ofrendas. An ofrenda designed by a Des Plaines resident will be on display this year.

“The rich culture of Mexico and local residents of Mexican descent is very important to the recent history of Des Plaines,” said Philip Mohr, curator of the History Center. “Día de los Muertos gives us the perspective that celebrating the lives of our dearly departed is more valuable than watching twisted horror movies. We are very happy to join with fellow community members to offer this program year after year.”

Come in and enjoy this hands-on activity. All ages are welcome. $3 per child for non-members, $2 for members. Call the History Center at 847-391-5399 or visit desplaineshistory.org for more information.

Día de los Muertos is sponsored by the Des Plaines History Center and the Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines. The History Center gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other contributors.