On Monday, October 31st, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar, Commissioner Alma Anaya, ofrenda Artist Gloria Contreras, and representatives from the Mexican Civic Society to celebrate Día de Los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”). After remarks, a song presentation was given by representatives of the Mexican Civic Society. To close the celebration, residents and officials gathered in front of the ofrenda (altar) located in the lobby of the Cook County Building to honor deceased Cook County residents and celebrate the contributions of the Latino/a/X community. “The celebration of Día de Los Muertos acknowledges that we still have a relationship with our ancestors and loved ones that have passed away. Today, we invite those Cook County residents who have left us to come back into our lives, if only for a moment, and remember the impact they had on all of us,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. 

Held annually on November 1st and 2nd, Día de los Muertos is a traditional Meso-American holiday dedicated to the ancestors; it honors both death and the cycle of life. It is observed as a day to honor deceased family members and loved ones by “welcoming them back” through various customs, including making dedicated altars (ofrendas), laying out special food offerings, and visiting their graves. “The Día de Los Muertos ofrenda represents a memorial to remember and honor the lives of loved ones who passed on. It’s remembering the good times we’ve had spent with them, keeping their memory alive in our hearts,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. An ofrenda is a traditional altar with a collection of objects placed on a ritual display during the annual Día de Muertos celebration. An ofrenda is created for individuals who have died and is intended to welcome them to the altar setting.