Halloween may be almost behind us but the the 7th annual Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos cultural celebration is Saturday, November 4, 12-5 p.m., at McAllister Park Center, 750 W. 96th Ave., in Thornton. This popular Mexican holiday celebration is a family-friendly event to remember and honor deceased loved ones with food, flowers, music, and mementos. It’s presented by Thornton’s Arts & Culture Division and Thornton Arts Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO).
“TASHCO and Thornton have partnered again with the Mexican Cultural Center, as well as with various local artists and small businesses so the community can gather and celebrate this festive holiday,” says Thornton Arts & Culture Manager Alisa Zimmerman. “We are looking forward to another year of record attendance and are encouraging everyone to return for more fun activities and food on this special day.”
Activities include:
- face-painting
- music by Elisa Garcia and Mariachi Sangre Mexicana
- Thornton youth and Fiesta Colorado dancer
- a stilt walker
- art market
- ancestor altar
- photo booth
- food trucks
- Catrina costume contest with prizes.
New this year is the Butterfly Pavilion with their monarch butterfly information table. These butterflies are native to Mexico and are believed by some to represent the souls of the dead returning to visit the living on the Day of the Dead. The event is free except for face-painting and food vendors. Activities will take place indoors and outdoors.
Event sponsors include TASHCO and the Mexican Cultural Center with funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and the city of Thornton. This event is subject to change. For updates or additional information, visit ArtsThornton.com, facebook.com/cotarts or call 720-977-5887.
Author: Mile High Mamas
