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By BARTON PERKINS | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Montevallo will host their inaugural Dia de los Muertos Festival at 620 Valley Street on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 5-9 p.m. 

“We have wanted to do this for a few years now,” said Montevallo Main Street Director Courtney Bennett. “Now the pieces are falling in together. Susanna Vasquez, a new agent with Team Lehman, has been taking the lead in this event. And she is really fabulous. She has a lot of contacts and is reaching out to different folks of the Hispanic community.”

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering and celebrating the lives of departed loved ones. The holiday, traditionally celebrated on the first two days of November, originates in the ancient religious ceremonies of the Indigenous groups of Mexico. 

In addition to learning more about this rich cultural tradition that honors loved ones who have passed on, participants  will enjoy crafts, games, inflatables, food trucks, and music from DJ El Lobito. The event will also feature traditional baile folklorico dance performances from St. Thomas Catholic Church and more.

“I hadn’t been familiar with Day of the Dead until I went to the one in Birmingham,” Bennett said. “And it was just so inspirational. I always wanted to do something similar in Montevallo, but we are starting small this year. “

The event is free admission and is being organized by Team Lehman, Montevallo Main Street, Impact Montevallo and other community partners and sponsors. Susana Vazquez of Team Lehman is taking the lead in organizing this event.

Sponsors include Atlantic Bay, El Lobito, Edwards Chevrolet, El Agave, Impact Montevallo, La Conchita Bakery, Montevallo Main Street, Navarro’s Fresh Market, State Farm, Team Lehman – Keller Williams Metro South, Tree Line, Vera Home Builders, Verus VIP Events and Zapopan Mexican Restaurant.

“I’m excited to have a special event downtown where our Hispanic community is in the forefront and being showcased and honored,” Bennett said. 

For more information and updates, visit the Facebook event ‘Dia de los Muertos Montevallo.’

Community members are invited to honor their loved ones at the community altar that will be set up on site. Registration is required via Google docs at Forms.gle/MyZnPqgT8t5MPLwZ6. Registration will close on Sunday, Oct. 29.