The Abilene Zoo is holding a two-day Día de los Muertos celebration. Events include folklórico dancers, mariachi music, traditional food and drinks, face painting, and community ofrendas that honor people and animals who have died. Visitors can also see an animal altar built by the zookeepers.
Marlen Salazar, the zoo's marketing manager, said the holiday honors loved ones who have died while also celebrating life in the present. "We want to celebrate life," she said.
Admission is included with regular zoo admission, which costs $10 for adults and $7 for children. Seniors and military members receive discounts, and zoo members get in free. The first evening runs Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m., and the celebration continues Monday, Nov. 2, during the same hours. Salazar said the zoo hopes the community will support the event so it can keep holding cultural festivals in future years.