A week ago, the weather forecast seemed conducive to outdoor activities like Emporia’s Dia de los Muertos celebration.
Things changed, however, and the threat of moderate rainfall Saturday prompted organizers to shrink the scope of the event Friday. Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow President Mike Torres says it was a tough decision, given the original plans for residents, but the call was made Friday morning after consultation with Emporia Main Street.
The parade and food trucks were canceled, but Casa Ramos had space inside its restaurant for mariachi music, dancing, a DJ, face painting and other activities. Torres says it still turned out to be a good event.
Dia de los Muertos overlaps Halloween, but the Hispanic holiday has a family component not usually found with Halloween. For Torres, Dia de los Muertos means family — but also foundations for the future.
Proceeds from Dia de los Muertos help to fund college scholarships for Hispanic students attending Emporia High.
A Halloween-themed activity, Emporia Main Street’s annual downtown trick-or-treat event, was postponed from Saturday to 12-2 pm on Halloween.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including video from Dia de los Muertos.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
