Family and friends honor the departed during Dia de los Muertos in Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A celebration of life dedicated to loved ones who are no longer with us.

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a day to remember and honor the lives of those who have passed away. The Mexican holiday goes back 3,000 years.

It's known as a celebration of life, where thousands of people are memorialized through altars or galleries with what they enjoyed in life like flowers, food, and drinks. 

The items are colorfully displayed throughout homes and other spaces where people gather.

Mario Hernandez is the Gallery Education Coordinator at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. He explained why it's so symbolic to families and details the roots of this widely celebrated holiday.

"What happened in Mexico, because of the way the history panned out, these traditions and rituals that existed, they stuck around and so they helped shape the celebration as we know it today," Hernandez said.

He added the holiday is "a blend of both Catholic rituals and traditions that existed before it."

The museum is hosting its 37th annual Dia de los Muertos exhibit, featuring the works of nearly 60 mostly women artists. The exhibit featured altars and guests are encouraged to write messages to their deceased loved ones in a community ofrenda.

"This particular tradition gives me comfort because death is scary," said visitor Susan Nusbaum.

The ofrendas are also decorated with photos, mementos, and their favorite foods and drinks.

"The idea is that you are welcoming them back on this day to visit," said Barbara Engelskirchen, chief development officer at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

The exhibit is shining a spotlight on many who died in the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, and Morocco. It'll also honor women around the world who have been violated, disappeared, or were murdered, with a large installation by 18 local artists.

Students from Chicago Public Schools were there to soak it all in.

"I think it's important for the children to walk away with the message that we never forget our loved ones," said Becky Lopez, a teacher at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.

Myrna Salazar, a Chicago based producer who championed Latinos in local theater, was also honored at this year's exhibit. She also served as the executive director of the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance.

"Everything she did for the arts, the theater, actors and actresses in Chicago is recognized," said Engelskirchen.

Here is a list of other Dia de los Muertos events happening in the Chicago area:

44th Annual Muertos De La Risa Procession

• Thursday Nov. 2 (3-7 p.m.)
• Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St.

Día de los Muertos at 360 Chicago

• Friday, Nov. 3

Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball

• Saturday, Nov. 4

Midway Chamber of Commerce Dia De Los Muertos

• Saturday, Nov. 4 (12-8 p.m.)
• Wentworth Park, 5625 South Mobile Ave.

The Dia de los Muertos exhibit is free and runs through Dec. 10 at the National Museum of Mexican Art at 1852 West 19th St. 

In:
• Chicago
• Mexico
• Pilsen