The Los Portales Museum is holding a Día de los Muertos festival on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 5 p.m. at the historic San Elizario Placita, 1521 San Elizario Road. The event is free and open to the public.
Organizers said the evening will include community altars honoring loved ones, folklórico dance performances and live music. A museum exhibit will feature photographs of catrinas by local photographer David Quintanilla. Community members may set up their own altars with photographs, flowers, favorite foods and other decorations. Altar space is limited and will be given out first come, first served. Organizers said open flames are not allowed and participants must use battery-operated candles.
The festival will also hold a Catrín and Catrina Contest, with separate categories for children ages 17 and younger and adults ages 18 and older. Local car clubs, regional artists and food trucks will also take part. The event is being organized with El Paso County, the City of San Elizario, and the San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society.