Celebrating Souls of the Deceased

You really don’t want to miss the Latin Fit Butterfly Dancers at Emporia’s Dia de los Muertos Festival on Saturday, October 26. Emblematic of Day of the Dead celebrations everywhere, the butterflies represent souls that have passed on–and are a reminder of the Monarch butterfly migration that culminates each year in the Mexican state of Michoacán in late October and early November.

The festival kicks off with a vibrant and colorful parade at 10:30 a.m., beginning at 7th Avenue and wending its way north on Commercial Street. Color commentary is provided in both English and Spanish. Following the parade, the festival continues in the 800 and 900 blocks of Commercial until 5:00 p.m. Local non-profit hosts Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (H.O.T.T.) and Emporia Main Street present the annual celebration of a Mexican holiday during which families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink, and joyful festivities. 

Reminiscent of a Mexican street fair, Emporia’s Dia de los Muertos Festival features food trucks, music, dancing, vendors, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. A festival-goer favorite is the “Mexican Scream” contest, in which contestants belt out their best, longest, most emotion-laden scream to a musical accompaniment–aiyoo! Food booths will tempt you with their delicious offerings of tacos, pupusas, frutas, and other street foods. Vendors will entice you with Day of the Dead regalia, mariachi dolls, pan de muerto, sugar skulls, and more. You’ll be serenaded by Hispanic musicians and wowed by the beauty of Latino dance troupes. And seriously, don’t miss those Latin Fit Butterfly Dancers!

H.O.T.T. is a community organization serving the Emporia area by promoting cultural unity and bringing together the talents and abilities of the Hispanic community in order to advocate for the betterment of the community. Proceeds from the Dia de los Muertos Festival fund scholarships for local Hispanic students. Since 1998, HOTT has provided over $45,000 worth of scholarships to Hispanic high school graduates who plan to attend Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College.

As we celebrate and honor those who have passed from this earthly realm, we encourage you to also honor and care for the living earth where we all live together. While you’re here, we hope you’ll learn more about our Visit Emporia Pledge, which encourages everyone to be good stewards of our community and environment during your time here with us. 

1. Stay golden.
2. Leave no trace.
3. Respect the land and its people.

Find out how YOU can take the Visit Emporia Pledge here.

Plan to attend this colorful free festival that melds a much-loved traditional Latino holiday with the energy and imagination of today. 

Visit Emporia is the official Visitor Information Center for Emporia offering brochures and maps of Emporia, surrounding areas, and the state of Kansas. Drop in to visit us at 719 Commercial St. in downtown Emporia. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the Visit Emporia website for more information or check us out on Facebook,  Instagram, and X for more activities and events.

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