The Waukegan Park District and Asociación Cultural Lake County (Lake County Cultural Association) are partnering to host the 2026 Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Community Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1-5 p.m. at the Lakehurst Center, located at 300 Lakehurst Road in Waukegan. The event will feature pan de muerto (bread of the dead), altar exhibits, art vendors, music and dance performances, and art crafts. Admission to the event is free, and preregistration is not required.

With origins in Mexico and celebrated throughout Latin America, Día de Muertos is a celebration of the lives of the deceased. Families create an altar and ofrendas (offerings) to honor family members who have passed away. The altars are decorated with bright marigolds, calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), photos, foods, drinks and items cherished by the departed loved ones. Día de Muertos is not a "Mexican Halloween," as it is sometimes mistakenly called due to its close proximity to Halloween.

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