The Denison Arts Council's Día de los Muertos festival reaches its 15th year on Saturday, Nov. 7, and organizers have picked a theme to match the number: the quinceañera, the celebration that marks a young woman's 15th birthday in Mexican culture.
The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Park downtown, the arts council said in an announcement Thursday. That settles a question left open earlier this month, when the city's online calendar listed Heritage Park as the site but described Forest Park in the event text.
"A quinceañera is about family, heritage, and celebrating who you are becoming," said Nanci Decker, the council's executive director, adding that the festival has grown into one of the most meaningful days of the year downtown.
The day's schedule
The main stage opens at 10 a.m. with a welcome from the arts council, followed by two belly dance troupes and the first of two sets from the Cinco de Mayo Folkloric Dancers at 11. Mi Mariachi Viva Mexico plays at 12:15 p.m., the Hyde Park Singers follow at 1, and Mayan dancers perform at 1:15.
At 2 p.m. the parade moves through downtown behind tall handmade puppets, and a costume contest follows at 2:30. Organizers are encouraging catrina and calavera dress. Danza Azteca Chichimeca Aztlan, a group from Anna, takes the stage at 2:45, with more folklórico and Mayan dance after that. Grupo Morros closes the day with a concert at 4.
Vendor booths will sell original art and goods tied to the holiday.
