Montevallo will host their 2nd Annual Dia de Muertos Festival at 620 Valley Street on Saturday, November 2, from 2 PM to 10 PM. This free-admission event is being organized by Su Casa Real Estate, Team Lehman Realty, Montevallo Main Street, and Impact Montevallo, along with other community partners and sponsors. In an effort to share this cherished tradition with our local community, Susana Vazquez of Su Casa Real Estate is taking the lead in organizing this event.
The public is invited to honor their loved ones at the community altar that will be set up on site. Registration is required via Google Docs at this link: https://forms.gle/awuhRSxK3szXhbHS8. Registration is open now and will close October 29.
Prizes will be awarded to the “Best Dressed” Catrin or Catrina in both adult and children’s categories, as well as the best altar. Registration for the “Best Dressed” Catrin or Catrina will be held from 2 PM – 5:30 PM, with contestants parading at 5:45 PM. Winners will be announced at 6:30 PM.
Live music and dancing will be held throughout the event, with performances by DJ El Lobito, Danza Azteca, Saúl Ramírez y Su Ritmo Tropical, Baile Folklorico and Baile de los Viejitos from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, and a live Mariachi band performance. Food and goods vendors will be on site as well. In addition, children’s activities will be provided by Impact Montevallo, Parnell Memorial Library, and Alabama Public Television.
The Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a Mexican holiday celebrated with great reverence and joy. It is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. The Day of the Dead, celebrated traditionally on November 1st and 2nd, has its origins in the ancient religious ceremonies of the Indigenous groups of Mexico. Before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area, these cultures had several ceremonies to say goodbye to the recently deceased. Today, the Day of the Dead combines elements of both Catholic and Aztec traditions that help people remember their loved ones and celebrate their memory. This event is dedicated to sharing and embracing this wonderful tradition here in Montevallo.
The festival committee thanks our sponsors whose support enables us to host this free-admission event! Catrina level sponsors include Alabama Custom Trailer & RV, Allcover Insurance, Barby Garcia, DJ El Lobito, Edwards Chevrolet, Impact Montevallo, Mi Pueblo Supermarket, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street, Montevallo Stone and Landscaping Supply, Navarro's Fresh Market, Redmont, Shelby County Newspapers, Su Casa Real Estate, Team Lehman Realty, Treeline, Vera Homebuilders, and VIP Events. Marigold Level sponsors are Beauty and Style Salon, E & R's Services, and Union Envious. Sugar Skull Level sponsors are Bradford Real Estate Group, Bright Ideas BHM, Montevallo Family Dentistry - Dr. Bobby Shunnarah, Regions Bank, and the University of Montevallo Department of English and World Languages.