Ballet folklórico dancers perform alongside Mariachi Los Jinetes during the Día de los Muertos celebration Nov. 3 at Brazos Park.
File photo / Lucia Campos
The UTA Wesley Foundation is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration in the ministry building next to Mission Arlington from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
The event will offer students and residents a space to mourn deceased loved ones and heal, as well as celebrate life, with an altar and activities such as mariachi band and folklórico dance performances.
“Sometimes death can be seen such as a bad thing or something that shouldn’t be celebrated or a sad thing,” said Jesus Canales, director of community outreach. “We’re trying to do our best to provide a space where students feel seen.”
Through the event, Canales said the foundation can cater to students of Mexican descent and teach students and residents how to respectfully participate.
Students have many activities to choose from throughout the night, including a Catrina and Catrín costume contest.
The event is in collaboration with Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives and student organizations such as the Association of Latino Professionals for America, the Association of Mexican American Students and the Hispanic Pre-Health Association.
Students can also participate in a science experiment offered by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.
For other activities, Canales said attendees can break piñatas or paint sugar skulls during the event. Free tamales, horchata and other agua fresca drinks will be available.
Conchas, hot chocolate, popcorn and other snacks will also be available, along with a showing of the Disney movie “Coco” to end the night.
Admission is free, and students will need to check in, he said.
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