This year’s Mercado on Fifth Día de los Muertos Parade will for the first time since its creation in 2022 offer Day of the Dead festival attendees a 360-degree view of the outdoor market’s Saturday, Nov. 1 celebration.
Mercado on Fifth said the “exciting new twist” for the 2025 cultural celebration honoring life, memory, and tradition is that the traditional parade floats and altars will remain stationary and decorate Mercado’s grounds at 423 12th St. in downtown Moline.
That means attendees will be able to walk through the free festival at their own pace and enjoy the intricate displays, food vendors, live performances and traditional crafts, leaders of this new business incubator said in a Friday, Sept. 11, news release.
“This celebration is about remembrance, unity, and joy,” Mercado Executive Director Frances Williams said in the release. “We are excited to offer the Quad Cities’ first stationary parade that allows families to engage with each display at their own pace while deepening their connection to this beautiful Mexican tradition.”
She told the QCBJ on Monday, Sept. 15 “We still want to one day return to a moving parade but for this year, this stationary parade setup will allow us to save money as well as give our community a more immersive experience in the celebration.”
She added, “We hope that those that attend can take their time walking the grounds, studying the floats, the altars, the workshops and discover all the meanings to this special tradition.”
What’s on tap?
The community is invited on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to join in a day filled with traditions that include:
- Live Performances: Glenview Middle School Mariachi band, Quad City Ballet Folklórico, Ambición Norteña, Charlotte Blu and more local Latin music.
- Cultural Activities: Face painting, paper flower making, and sugar skull decorating for
- children and families.
- Culinary Offerings: Traditional dishes and seasonal favorites including pan de muerto
- and atole.
- Altars & Art Installations: Community “ofrendas”, large-scale tributes and floats.
- Traditional Dress & Makeup: Patrons are encouraged to attend in Catrina/Catrin dress and makeup.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a deeply rooted tradition that transforms remembrance into celebration.
Mercado on Fifth invites the community to experience an atmosphere filled with music, art, culture, and togetherness.
IF YOU GO:
- What: Mercado Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration.
- When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1.
- Where: Mercado on Fifth, 423 12th St. in downtown Moline.
- Fee: To participate with a stationary float or altar display: $50.
- Admission: Free.
