Catrinas and alebrijes filled the Downtown Arts District during El Paso’s Día de los Muertos festival celebrating ‘raices ancestrales.’
The festival on Nov. 2 featured hands-on arts and cultural activities for families, organized by the Mexican American Cultural Center, El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Museum of Art and El Paso Museum of Archaeology.
“It’s important for El Paso because, historically and culturally, it’s always been a border city. It’s always been a place with many cultures, and I think the biggest and strongest one is Mexican culture. There are many people who share both cultures, the Mexican and the American, and I think that’s what makes El Paso. I think El Paso should never forget what it’s made of,” said Gabriela Arriaga, 25, who is from San Luis Potosí.
The community supported vendors at the artisan market and food trucks, live music and dance performances were held at San Jacinto Plaza and the Arts Festival Plaza, and a community altar was displayed at San Jacinto Plaza.