Día de los Muertos commemorates the culture existing between the living and the dead. Traditionally, the celebration occurs over two days: Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. This past weekend, Hemisfair Park hosted the 12th annual Muertos Fest.
The festival offered a space for vendors to sell food, knick-knacks, art prints and apparel. Drink stands sprinkled throughout the festival grounds ensured patrons could hydrate in the hot weather. Some popular foods served at the festival included chicken on a stick, elote and flautas in a cup.
As festival-goers enjoyed their food, they could peruse the altars dedicated to loved ones, victims of violence and celebrities. In one of the music venues stood an altar memorializing the Queen of Tejano, Selena Quintanilla.
An altar created by los luceros de Janitzio stood out amongst the crowds. The altar honored loved ones who had passed. Built to mimic an Aztec pyramid with a cathedral on the top, the altar paid homage to two aspects of culture: heritage and religion. The cathedral featured stained glass images of la Virgen de Guadalupe. A serpent entangled the pyramid and emitted fog every so often. The extravagance of the piece made it worthy of first place in the festival’s altar.
In service of a parade, police erected barricades and stopped the flow of foot traffic. Certain festival goers walked with banners and music in tow. The signs noted who the parade participants walked in remembrance of. The first group performed a Conchero dance in honor of those lost to genocide. Another party celebrated the lives of their family with giant dancing calaveras.
The 12th annual Muertos Fest served as a coming together of the community. It provided an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and celebration.
