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    • 4 Metro Detroit Day of the Dead Events That Connect Tradition and Food
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    4 Metro Detroit Day of the Dead Events That Connect Tradition and Food

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    This Friday and Saturday is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a tradition dedicated to remembering the dearly departed — and several businesses and restaurants in metro Detroit will honor the day with events.

    “In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is a very important tradition, involving everyone from schoolchildren to entire towns in its observance,” said Leslie Vargas, director of operations at La Jalisciense, in a press release. “While we cherish our lives in Detroit, we miss our roots, and this festival is our way of reconnecting with those traditions.”

    Vargas added that this tradition is a way to showcase culture and educate others and “new generations of Latinos growing up here about our heritage.”

    More: What’s happening near you on Dia de los Muertos? Here’s where you can celebrate

    Over two days, the tradition celebrates life and death and offerings are intended to “encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their food and participate in the celebrations,” according to dayofthedead.holiday.

    The holiday involves setting up an “ofrenda” in homes, churches and businesses, by living family members and loved ones. These ofrendas are colorful alters that celebrate and honor the deceased.

    Photos and personal items of the deceased are usually placed among candles, as well as food such as bread. The often layered alters in honor of the dead are decorated with flowers and bright colors.

    Here’s what several businesses in metro Detroit are doing to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

    La Jalisciense Supermercado & Taqueria

    For the second year, this Mexican supermarket and taqueria in southwest Detroit is hosting a Dia de Los Muertos festival. This year the festival of La Jalisciense expands to four days and runs from Thursday to Sunday. Activities include live performances in the ‘interactive cemetery’, Catrina competitions and art and music workshops, specialty. La Jalisciense’ ofrenda has also been set up and people can bring photos of their loved ones. For more than a decade, La Jalisciense’s restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine, plus a variety of staples and unique imports to the market.

    Tickets for the events cost $4-$40 at eventbrite.com.

    La Jalisciense, 3923 Vernor Highway, Detroit.

    Imperial

    Saturday from noon to midnight, Imperial in Ferndale is hosting its 13e annual Día de los Muertos celebration with special food and drinks plus the regular menu. Woodward Avenue Imperial also features a community altar, or ofrenda, where guests can place photos or mementos of loved ones. Votive candles and flowers are available for a small donation, with proceeds benefiting Gilda’s Club. Imperial matches donations.

    Food offerings include shrimp aguachile served with fresh tomatillo salsa, chorizo ​​and potato molotes with a rich poblano mole, and seared pork belly tacos drizzled with savory chili jam. Vegan and vegetarian options will also be available.

    The event is sponsored by Espolón Tequila and includes the La Calavera cocktail, which combines Espolón Reposado with Cointreau, blood orange, lime and a hint of clove agave. Also featured is the Flor de Muerte with Montelobos Mezcal, dry curaçao, marigold and lime. Imperial will also have non-alcoholic options.

    22828 Woodward Ave, Ferndale; imperialferndale.com

    Prince Valley Market

    Inside Prince Valley Market on Michigan Avenue in southwest Detroit, the store’s annual ofrenda is back and bigger than last year. Since last week, customers are invited to leave photos, notes and other items.

    The longtime grocery store and market in southwest Detroit is known for its selection of grab-and-go meals, house-made tamales, store-made guacamole, pico de gallo and custom cakes.

    Prince Valley Market, 5931 Michigan Ave., Detroit; princevalleymarket.com

    Festival in Valade Park

    A Día de los Muertos celebration will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater, on Detroit’s Riverfront.

    The family-friendly event features food trucks, live music, a performance by Ballet Folklorico De Detroit, vendors and children’s activities. Admission is free. For information, visit detroitriverfront.org.

    Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

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