Street closed for 1,700-square-foot community altar in Chelsea

Winnisimmet Street in Chelsea will close for a two-day public viewing of a community altar.

The City of Chelsea and the Veronica Robles Cultural Center are hosting the Día de los Muertos event. The altar, located in Chelsea Square at 179 Winnisimmet Street, opens to the public at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Residents can add framed photos of loved ones during this initial period, which runs until 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 1. The display will feature LED candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, and catrina figures.

The main festival occurs on Sunday, November 1, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A procession will move from East Boston to Chelsea. A thematic float will lead a costumed parade around the square. More than a dozen local vendors will set up booths. Organizers will also hold a contest for the best-dressed Catrina.

Community members can retrieve their items from the altar between 5 p.m. on November 1 and 6 p.m. on November 2. Alternatively, photos can be collected at the Veronica Robles Cultural Center at 282 Meridian St. in Boston after 3 p.m. on November 3, 4, or 5. Items can also be stored for the following year.

Winnisimmet Street, from Park Street to Broadway, will be closed on Friday, October 30, and Sunday, November 1. Organizers are seeking volunteers for setup and breakdown. The contact number for questions regarding the event is (617) 308-2314.