Celebrate Día de los Muertos, Mexico’s Day of the Dead, with the Grammy-winning, Mexican-American singer Lila Downs. Joined by folklórico dancers from The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago and stunning visual projections, Downs brings her powerful voice and vibrant stage presence to songs in Spanish and English, as well as indigenous languages from her native Oaxaca.
Enhance your evening with a preconcert performance by Mariachi Águilas de Benito Juárez directed by Michael Espinosa from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in the Rotunda. The performance is free and open to all ticketholders.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, begins on November 1 as a day of remembrance for those who have died. Its roots trace back to precolonial Mexico and the belief that souls return annually to their families so that their lives can be celebrated. Today, families commemorate the day by creating ofrendas (altars), featuring photos, candles, incense and other decorations and offerings to remember the dead.
From October 24 to November 3, visitors to Symphony Center can pay their respects at an ofrenda created by local artist Elvia Rodriguez Ochoa. Honoring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association family who have passed away over the past year, it also features opportunities for the public and Symphony Center patrons to honor their loved ones. The ofrenda is located on the first floor of the Rotunda.
Visitors are invited to leave a small offering — such as a photo or flower — or write a note on the provided notecards to honor their own loved ones on the ofrenda.
