History Museum and Delmar Loop Help Bring Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration to Life
by James Lesch / photos compliments of The Missouri Historical Society, Square Telemundo St. Louis, Amigo Sole Mexican Street Food, and Washington University
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a beloved Latinx cultural tradition celebrated this year in St. Louis on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd. During this time, Mexicans build ‘ofrendas,’ altars adorned with marigold flowers, candles, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods and drinks of their deceased loved ones. The purpose is to welcome back the spirits of the departed, bridging the gap between the living and the dead. This year the Missouri History Museum and Delmar Loop are recognizing Día de los Muertos with two separate celebrations that bring the recognition of the Day of the Dead to life.
photo by Bob Rains
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Missouri History Museum's 2-Day Family-Friendly Fiesta on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd. The vibrant spirit of fall will fill the halls on both the main and lower levels.
The annual two-day celebration, presented incollaboration with Hispanic Festival Inc., Mexicanos en St. Louis, and Latinx Arts Network, is filled with cultural richness, art, and entertainment for the whole family.
At the museum, St. Louisans of all ages will enjoy Latin American cultural altars, art, music, dancing, storytelling, facepainting.
For one day only, on Saturday, November 2nd, Dia de los Muertos brings festive food, music, and fun to the Delmar Loop. This year’s festival is the official 21+ after-party of the Missouri Historical Society’s (MHS) Dia de losMuertos event, creating a two-part celebration of the beloved holiday. Telemundo St. Louis talent will serve as emcee throughout the day, bringing a festive and lively energy to the celebration.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration at The Missouri History Museum
On Saturday, November 2, the fun kicks off with a full day of activities, including the chance to admire traditional “ofrendas” or altars that honor loved ones who have passed. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can view these beautiful altars, alongside stunning art created by local artists.
Día de los Muertos altar.
Starting at 11 a.m., outdoor food and drink vendors will serve delicious tacos, pan de muerto, tamales, street corn, and treats from St. Louis’s own El Chico Bakery. Beer, margaritas, and soft drinks will also be available to enjoy.
This year, Missouri Historical Society has partnered with Rosalia Angulo to design a special altar that honors late LGBTQIA St. Louisans Helen Stephens, Dennis Chambers & Michelle McCausland, who are featured in the museum’s Gateway to Pride exhibit.
Kids will love crafting Monarch butterflies and vibrant tissue paper "papel picado" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and they can get festive face and arm painting from noon to 4 p.m. for free (ages 18 and under), while adults can join in the fun for just $12. Storytime, “Cuentos en el museo,” will delight little ones at 10:30 a.m., with native Spanish-speaking storytellers sharing tales in both Spanish and English.
Día de los Muertos Storytime.
Kids will love crafting at the Día de los Muertos history museum celebration,
Saturday’s celebration will be filled with music and dance performances. Don't miss the at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. dance performances by the Dance Society and Anna Iriarte, followed by a magical sunset procession through Forest Park at 5:30 p.m. to wrap up the day.
Día de los Muertos performance.
Día de los Muertos performance.
Día de los Muertos performance.
Día de los Muertos performance.
On Saturday evening guests over 21 are encouraged to visit The Delmar Loop’s Día de los Muertos event, which will serve as the official after-party, creating a two-part celebration of the beloved holiday! There will be captivating performances from Mariachi Los Reyes, Ballet Folklorico, and Banda Artilleros.
On Sunday, November 3, the festivities continue at the museum, with more altar viewing and art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the food vendors returning from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The crafts station and face painting will be available once again, and families can enjoy another round of “Cuentos en el museo” at 10:30 a.m. Don’t miss the grand finale with live dance performances by Alma de Mexico St. Louis at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.!
Visitors can bring their families and immerse themselves in this heartwarming celebration of life, culture, and community. To learn more about the day’s festivities, visit mohistory.org/dia-de-los-muertos.
Event Schedule
Saturday, November 2
● 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Altar viewing and art display
● 10:30 a.m. | Cuentos en el museo (bilingual Spanish-English storytelling)
● 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Outdoor musical entertainment and food and drink vendors – Purchase tacos, pan de muerto, and other baked goods from El Chico Bakery. There will also be tamales, street corn, hot dogs, beer, margaritas, and soft drinks, plus recorded and live musical entertainment.
● 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Make-and-take crafts, including monarch butterflies and tissue-paper papel picado
● 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Face-painting (free for kids 18 and under, $12 for adults)
● 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Live Music on the North Lawn
● 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. | Dance performance by the Dance Society and Anna Iriarte
● 5:30 p.m. | Performance on the outdoor plaza, followed by a quarter-mile procession through Forest Park
Sunday, November 3
● 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Altar viewing and art display
● 10:30 a.m. | Cuentos en el museo (bilingual Spanish-English storytelling)
● 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Make-and-take crafts, including monarch butterflies and tissue-paper papel picado
● 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Outdoor musical entertainment and food and drink vendors – Purchase tacos, pan de muerto, and other baked goods from El Chico Bakery. There will also be tamales, street corn, hot dogs, beer, margaritas, and soft drinks, plus recorded and live musical entertainment.
● 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Face-painting (free for kids 18 and under, $12 for adults)
● 1:00 p.m. –3:00 p.m. | Live music by Anna Iriarte on the North Lawn
● 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. | Dance performances by Alma de Mexico St. Louis
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration in the Delmar Loop
On Saturday, November 2, The Delmar Loop will transform into a lively celebration of Latin American culture for the annual Día de los Muertos Festival. The free festival runs from noon to 10 p.m., featuring an immersive celebration of Latin American culture: food, music, dance, and traditional altar displays.
From noon to 4:00 p.m., festival goers can groove to the beats spun by a live DJ while enjoying delicious Latin American street food. As night falls the festival will come alive with captivating performances from Mariachi Los Reyes, Ballet Ollin USA with vocalist Anna Iriarte, and Banda Artilleros from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Everyone is invited to become part of the celebration at the face painting station, then capture the spirit of Día de los Muertos with friends and family at the festival photo booth!
Festival-goers are encouraged to wear their best Día-inspired attire for a chance to win prizes from a variety of Delmar Loop Businesses during the adult costume contest held at 7:30 PM, showcasing the creative Día de los Muertos attire.
This year introduces the Altar Program, which partners local businesses with artists to display traditional Día de los Muertos altars throughout The Delmar Loop in the week leading up to the festival. Each altar will have a unique theme that reflects their respective business. Festival goers are encouraged to explore the altars and contribute to their own personal photos and mementos.
On the day of the festival, these altars will move to the festival entrance where they will proudly welcome all who have come to celebrate.
Festival Details
Date: November 2, 2024
Time: Noon – 10:00 PM
Location: Intersection of Delmar and Rosedale, The Delmar Loop
Admission: Free
Pet-Friendly: Yes
This year’s festival is produced in partnership with Square, Telemundo St. Louis, Amigo Sole Mexican Street Food & Washington University.
"As a network deeply rooted in Hispanic culture, we believe in the power of community and culture. The Día de los Muertos Festival is a beautiful opportunity to invite everyone to partake in this meaningful celebration honoring our ancestors and embracing the rich traditions of Latin American culture right here in the Delmar Loop.This event is another great example of St. Louis transforming to such a welcoming region where diversity is embraced and much appreciated.” said Angel Recci, Market Manager for Telemundo St. Louis.
For more information on the Dia de los Muertos Festival visit visittheloop.com.
About the Missouri Historical Society
The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) has been active in the St. Lo:uis community since 1866. Today it serves as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues. MHS operates the Missouri History Museum, Library & Research Center, and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. MHS is funded by the St. Louis City and County taxpayers through the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District (ZMD) and by private donations. To find out more, visit mohistory.org/society.
About the East Loop Community Improvement District
Recognized for world class music venues and a variety of arts, entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities, the East Loop Community Improvement District (DBA the Delmar Loop) serves as a renowned walkable community that is welcoming, diverse, and inclusive of minority, immigrant, and women-owned businesses.
Through strong, vision-driven leadership and management, deliver measurable improvements to the East Loop Community Improvement District in the areas of economic development, safety, and security by establishing a welcoming and secure community with enhanced services, amenities, and physical improvements, while promoting and preserving the area’s distinct character and cultural vitality.