‘Day of the Dead’ events expand in Wichita, a celebration of Hispanic cultures
Dia de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — celebrations have grown across the United States, as well as in Wichita.
“It’s a tradition and it’s gone pretty mainstream in the U.S.,” said Lolly Hernandez, one of the organizers of the Dia de los Muertos Wichita, taking place for 12 hours Saturday. “It’s a celebration of life, a tradition that dates back probably a couple of centuries.”
Dia de los Muertos, traditionally celebrated during the first two days of November, is a holiday that welcomes the souls of the departed back for a brief reunion. While some celebrations in Wichita have decades-old history, others are joining in for the first or second year.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS NIGHT MARKET
5-10 p.m. Friday, 1052 N. Waco Ave.
The Mexican dessert shop Las Delicias ICT and neighboring Molino’s Cuisine are joining forces for a celebration on their plaza.
“We just wanted to bring something different to this side of town. We want to give customers the experience of Day of the Dead,” said Fidel Serrano, social media specialist for the shop. “There’s so many festivals going on during that time and we wanted to try something different.”
The culture is celebrated through folkloric dances, a performance by Wichita-based Mexican singer La Wapa, outdoor painting and other activities, with a variety of vendors, Serrano said.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
6 p.m. Friday, Brickyard and Public at the Brickyard, 129 N. Rock Island
After a successful turnout last year, Public at the Brickyard is having its second celebration, featuring ghost portraits by Jeni Doom, face painting and the mariachi band Los Reyes.
“It’s important for us to do it because it brings the community together and continues to create a diverse environment for our customers,” owner Brooke Russell said. “Day of the Dead celebrations are new to some of our customers, so it’s fun to see people come out and support it and share in it.”
Besides Mexican beer and cocktail specials, there will be three kinds of tamales — pork, chicken and vegetarian — created by Pinole Blue, a Wichita-based tortilla manufacturer who supplies Brickyard’s blue tortilla chips.
Russell said the first year of Day of the Dead activities last year held significance.
“It reminds you of those who have passed that we still love and have in our lives,” she said. “It looks like there’s a ton of events happening. It looks like it’ll be a fun week.”
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS WICHITA
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 204 E. 21st St. N
Presented by Wichita’s Hispanic business community and Wichita Parks & Recreation, the Day of the Dead event goes back to 2011, organizers China Peña and Lolly Hernandez said.
“This is a chance to show our culture,” Peña said. “Day of the Dead is a celebration.”
The celebration has expanded to two stages and two bars at the corner of 21st and Market streets, and expands its music selection to include reggae and rock.
“We’re going to try to involve as many young people as we can,” Hernandez said.
The food choices have expanded as well, with Philippine, Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine available.
Last year’s celebration drew more than 500 people, Hernandez said.
“We hope the weather is very gentle with us,” she said.
GALA DE DIA DE MUERTOS
6-9 p.m. Saturday, Riverfront Stadium
The Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is using its celebration and fundraiser as a jump-start to its organization.
“It’s been dormant with COVID, so this is the first one in the last three years,” said Gary Torres, incoming chairman of the Hispanic chamber. “We’re growing pretty well now.”
The Hispanic chamber, which includes 50-plus individuals, had celebrations for 20 years until the pandemic, Torres said.
The night will include dancers, as well as awards for local business leaders and rising stars, he said.
Dinner will be catered by the stadium. The deadline for reservations has passed, he said.
