Chelsea to close Winnisimmet Street for Day of the Dead festival

City officials will close Winnisimmet Street between Park Street and Broadway on Friday, October 30, and Sunday, November 1, to ensure public safety during the Día de los Muertos festivities. The closure supports the annual community altar and related events held in Chelsea Square.

The City of Chelsea and the Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC) are coordinating the event. The public viewing period for the ofrenda begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 30, and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 1. Residents may add framed photos of deceased loved ones to the altar during this window. The display will feature LED candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, and catrina figures.

The main festival takes place on Sunday, November 1, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A procession will travel from East Boston to Chelsea. A thematic float will lead a costumed parade around Chelsea Square. More than a dozen local vendors will participate in the market. A contest will select the best dressed Catrina.

Participants must collect their photos by 6 p.m. on November 2. Alternatively, they may pick up images at the Veronica Robles Cultural Center at 282 Meridian Street in Boston. The center is open for pickups after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, Wednesday, November 4, and Thursday, November 5. Organizers also offer to store photos for the following year's altar. Volunteers are needed for setup and teardown duties.

The contact number for questions regarding logistics, storage, or volunteering is (617) 308-2314. The ofrenda is located at 179 Winnisimmet Street.