What does it take to keep cultural traditions alive in a modern American suburb?

In this inspiring episode, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Diana Gran — Founder of Diana Gran Portraits and Director of Día de los Muertos (DDM) Week in Highland Park — to explore how celebrating heritage can unite a community, spark healing, and strengthen identity across generations.

Diana shares her journey from Acapulco to Highland Park, how reclaiming her cultural roots transformed her life and art, and why DDM Week has become a meaningful tradition embraced by families, schools, businesses, and organizations throughout the North Shore. We discuss cultural authenticity, belonging, loss, resilience, and the power of honoring loved ones who are no longer with us.

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🧵 In This Episode

• What Día de los Muertos truly represents beyond the stereotypes
• How DDM Week began and is reshaping community culture in Highland Park
• Why honoring ancestors helps us heal, connect, and remember
• Diana’s story of immigration, identity, motherhood, and creative courage
• How local businesses, schools, and organizations are collaborating to keep traditions alive
• What it means to create inclusive cultural experiences rooted in authenticity
• Why “done is better than perfect” can change how you create and show up in life

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🔥 Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Intro
02:00 – Diana’s Journey from Mexico to Highland Park
04:30 – What Día de los Muertos Really Means
07:25 – The Origin of DDM Week in Highland Park
10:45 – Honoring Roots & Cultural Identity
15:20 – Community Healing Through Tradition
18:40 – “Done Is Better Than Perfect”: Diana’s Creative Philosophy
22:55 – Local Businesses & Community Partnerships
27:10 – How to Experience DDM Week
29:30 – Final Takeaways & Ways to Connect

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📍 Links & Resources

Learn More & Attend DDM Week
Website: https://hpculturalarts.org
Instagram: @ddmweekhp

Connect with Diana Gran
Website: https://dianagranportraits.com
Instagram: @dianagranportraits

Follow The Chicagoland Guide
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