The Cleveland Community celebrated its 19th annual Day of the Dead, Nov. 4, 2023, at the Cleveland Public Theatre, Church, Parish Hall and surrounding areas in Cleveland's Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.
Family and friends gathered to honor those who have passed and to enjoy this treasured holiday, traditionally celebrated Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. The focus of the festival was the Gordon Square area and nearby streets, filled with decorations and people dressed for the occasion. Adding to the atmosphere were bands, food trucks, altars of those who have passed, and the parade.
The event also had many vendors there to support Day of the Dead and those looking for volunteers or those wanting to audition for other Hispanic events.
“Teatro Público is the Spanish speaking chapter of CPT (Cleveland Public Theatre) and we have plays in Spanish and English twice a year,“ said Luis Ramírez-Alonzo, an ensemble member. “You can come and audition for the plays as we are always looking for new Teatro público members.”
Teatro Público de Cleveland (TPC) was launched by the Cleveland Public Theatre in 2013. It is Cleveland’s first Latina theatre company that creates performances and storytelling.
Teatro Público de Cleveland's next play, Alter, will be from Feb. 8-24, 2024.
The Day of the Dead celebration also included several bands performing in the church grounds. Dueto Maravilla sung popular Mexican romantic ballads, and Mi Quetzalenses performed marimba music of Guatemala.
Several food trucks, including La Katrina Mexican Cuisine and Freaky Fruits were parked in the street. Nearby restaurants decorated their interiors with Day of the Dead motifs to celebrate the holiday and had specials on several of their items. La Playa Fresh Seafood having $5 ghost margaritas all day.
The parade started at 3:30 p.m., led by women dancing in their folklorico dresses. Many people wore big sugar skulls and women dressed as Calavera Catrina (Elegant Skull). Marching bands playing upbeat music and a few tall skeletons wearing stilts joined the parade. People even brought their pets to join the parade with sombreros and skull masks.
Many of the people appreciated the support that Cleveland brought to the Spanish community and the celebration of Day of the Dead.
“I loved how the Hispanic community celebrated this holiday originally from Mexico as it is a part of my culture, “ said Maricela Martinez, dressed in her own Day of the Dead makeup. “It's a celebration of the life of our loved ones and I loved that everyone participated as it's a nice thing to have in the Cleveland Community”
Next year the community is anticipating an even bigger as it will be the 20th annual Day of the Dead celebration, promising more fun and music to all who come.
Recent News
The Stater Scoop - Women's History Month
In this Women's History Month edition of The Stater Scoop, Cleveland Stater staff members Nicole, Kirsten and Morgan discussed how their identities as women have impacted their lives.
The Stater Scoop - Episode 1
We’re excited to announce a new podcast from The Cleveland Stater – The Stater Scoop! Each episode, we’ll welcome different guests from around campus to talk with members of our newsroom.
Don't miss the the student-run CSU Chamber Collective
The concert March 6 in Drinko Recital Hall will showcase student initiative, creativity and collaboration across the School of Music.
CSU grad builds a brand and career in music marketing
Alexis Figlar graduates from Cleveland State in 2023. Since then, she's turned internship connections, a self-made portfolio and a personal art business into a growing career in Cleveland’s music industry.
The Cleveland 'Sex and the City' spring itinerary
Of course Cleveland is the new Manhattan! You've just landed in the city. You've got 12 hours to take it in. This is the perfect itinerary for you.
Kent State honors fashion icon, Fern Mallis shows what CSU could have
When fashion icon Fern Mallis is inducted into Kent State University’s School of Fashion Hall of Fame this May, students there won’t just be reading a
CSU student films to show at this year’s CIFF
Film and media arts students Elliot Lanzer and Malakee McGuire will see their student-produced works on the silver screen at this year's Cleveland International Film Festival, the 50th anniversary of the renowned regional showcase.
Cleveland Magazine staff share industry insights with CSU students
Cleveland State University students got an inside look at the evolving media landscape when staff members from Cleveland Magazine<
CSU hosts Special Olympics basketball event for local students
Volunteers and athletes connected through inclusive activities, building skills, confidence and community ahead of future events in Cleveland.
Rising student demand and the CSU Counseling Center
As mental health needs grow on campus, CSU officials outline how students are prioritized and connected to care.
CSU senior to host benefit show at Treelawn Social Club
“This concert has become a way for all of us to come together for one night and carry on the music in their honor,” said Anna Skalicki, a senior CSU studio art major.
CSU graduate student’s research offers hope for blood disorder patients
Ph.D. candidate Anita Dhara studies how molecules in red blood cells could help patients with sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia breathe easier and reduce painful symptoms.
Students for a Just Society launches at CSU
The new student organization aims to build student-led organizing, foster political education, and connect Cleveland State students with regional activism efforts.
Commentary: Student rights and campus safety in the age of ICE
CSU students need clear information about their rights and safety as immigration enforcement in Ohio and nationwide raises concern, particularly for international and migrant students.
Building belonging: How one student athlete created a space for many
After navigating taxes, visas and internship barriers as an international student from Ireland, Ellie Mickibbin founded a dedicated support system to help future student-athletes adjust and succeed.
Greek letters signify Black excellence at CSU
Sorority Zeta Phi Beta and fraternity Phi Beta Sigma are two organizations at Cleveland State which embody the achievements of Black students, highlighting the excellence that Black History Month honors every year.
Immigrant embraces the America that has embraced her
Beloved Cleveland entertainer Bella Sin shares how living undocumented impacted their survival, self-identity, and quest for belonging in America. “Queer nightlife gave me a place to be fully myself, loved and accepted."
CSU graduate student aims to improve Lake Erie's water quality
Anshula Dhiman is studying the causes of algae blooms. Her research explores how nutrients in lake sediments drive harmful summer blooms which impact water quality.
Nearly 100 employers connect with students at CSU Career Fair
More than 900 students registered to attend the fair, networking with dozens of Cleveland and regional businesses and institutions, which are offering internships and employment opportunities from casual work to full-time jobs.
Commentary: Has social media broken Cupid’s arrow?
College has always been about getting your degree. Possibly getting the Disney fairytale ending and finding your forever partner was also on the curriculum for many. But what does Gen Z want from the day?
Does LinkedIn really matter for college students?
Students might not seriously consider LinkedIn until their final year of college, when graduation suddenly feels close and the pressure to find a job becomes real.
Snow puts a dampener on first week back for CSU
By KIRSTEN KIMBLER – posted January 16, 2026 Cleveland State University canceled all classes and closed business offices Thursday due to extreme weather conditions.
Residence Life hosts trivia night at Viking Marketplace
“It gets a lot of different students together, encourages them to talk to people they wouldn't otherwise talk to and just have a good time,” said Kaleb Roberts, a sophomore resident assistant.
