Photo Essay: Chicago Culture Shines in the ‘Arts in the Dark’ Parade

Just blocks away from where the “No Kings” protests had taken place earlier in the day of Oct. 18 on Michigan Avenue, multiple Mexican heritage groups lined up as the first parade performers for the 11th annual “Arts in the Dark” parade. Hosted by LUMA8 to celebrate artists and cultural diversity, people of all ages walked the streets of Chicago to display their pride.

Despite the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) focus on detaining people in Latinx communities, many walked along South State Street to honor their heritage. Rather than hiding an important part of their identity, this Ballet Folklórico dancer twirled down the parade route with other dancers while holding baskets filled with flowers and Mexican flags.

Heritage-centered groups weren’t the only parade-goers unwilling to be silenced. The Poets and Writers Guild held posters depicting banned book covers, drawing Chicagoans’ attention to selections of books that’ve been censored or banned across the country.

The free public event was packed with onlookers, some even on top of the Red Line entrance. One child made a fist bump request even the undead couldn’t ignore.

In honor of Día de los Muertos and Día de los Niños, parade floats were decorated in marigolds and candles to guide the spirits of loved ones who have died. These traditions have long been a way to not only mourn, but celebrate the lives of those who have died.

A painted red hand print covered the mouth of a Native American performer as they cried out to an uproar of support from the audience. This symbol is a mark of their solidarity with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement, who advocate for women in Indigenous American communities.

Dozens of larger-than-life puppets waltzed down South State Street waving to the crowds and posing for pictures from pleading cameras. While each were spectacular feats of ingenuity, the showstopper that had seemingly everyone pulling out their phones was the skeleton decorated in fabric sparkling like the night sky above them.

The shimmying of beads and rustling of fur as these costumes spun along gave the illusion of vividly-colored tornados. On the rare occurrence a performer was caught standing still, one could admire the awe-inspiring intricacy of the traditional garb.

As the parade wrapped up around 7:30 p.m., a heavy downpour hit downtown Chicago. Many viewers left for drier land, but fire performers continued to show off their talents, not letting even mother nature extinguish their flames.

Even as rain pelted their faces and make-up ran into their eyes, the melodies played by local and visiting marching bands continued to ring sweetly over the rushing sounds of the rain hitting the pavement, capping off an inspiring display of perseverance.