Dia De Los Muertos a big hit

An estimated 3,000 people turned out for the third Dia De Los Muertos Festival at Heritage Park on Saturday.

“It was the perfect day for the event, although we were biting our nails a bit with the storm that pushed through,” Main Street Director Jen Tune said on Monday. “It didn’t deter the vendors or community from participating.”

Tune said the event has increased in popularity each year since it was first introduced in 2021.

“This event has grown each year and is widely embraced by our Hispanic community and the community at large,” she said.

Tune said the line-up for entertainment has helped make it so popular.

Performing at the event were recent Douglas High graduates Paso Fino, Mariachi Sol De Reno, dance by the Ballet Folklorico Flor de Castilla, and the highlight of the event, Latino Arte de Culture with the 12-foot Catrina Dolls and Folkloric Dancers

“Our local vendors provided this beautiful heritage’s taste, sounds, and smells,” she said. “It is so special to see this event grow into what it is now and the families returning each year with their children dressed in traditional clothing and painted faces.”

She credited Main Street’s collaboration with Douglas County Community Services, Senior Recreation Coordinator Jen Calabrese, the Carson Valley Arts Council, Visit Carson Valley and sponsors Dave Taylor’s Appliance, Northwest Martial Arts, VIP Plastics, and the Town of Gardnerville.