1 of 13

Montevallo hosted its second annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 2-10 p.m. The event was organized by Su Casa Real Estate, Team Lehman Realty, Montevallo Main Street and Impact Montevallo, along with other community partners and sponsors. (For the reporter/Jeremy Raines)

By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer 

MONTEVALLO – Montevallo hosted its second annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 2-10 p.m. The event was organized by Su Casa Real Estate, Team Lehman Realty, Montevallo Main Street and Impact Montevallo, along with other community partners and sponsors. 

Held on Valley Street, the event had an estimated attendance of more than 1,000 community members. Susanna Vazquez, member of Montevallo Main Street and partner at Su Casa Real Estate, said that this year’s event was much larger than the inaugural event last year. 

“Last year, it was a really big success, we had close to 1,000 attendees,” Vazquez said. “We had more than that at this year’s festival for sure.”

Vazquez said that the festival came to life last year after discussions of what could be done to bring the Hispanic community together in Montevallo. 

“This festival brings the Hispanic community together and offers a different cultural experience to non-Hispanic people in the community,” Vazquez said. “That’s what it’s all about, bring something to Montevallo that can bring different cultures together.” 

Dia de los Muertos is a traditional holiday in Hispanic culture and many celebrate it around the world. 

“It’s being very respectful to those that have passed away, and I believe it’s been received well by the community,” Vazquez said. 

The festival had a large number of food and goods vendors for meals and shopping throughout the evening. There were also awards for best dressed Catrin or Catrina in adult and children’s categories as well as an award for the best altar. 

Live music and dancing was held through the duration of the event with performances by DJ El Lobito, Danza Azteca, Saúl Ramírez y Su Ritmo Tropical, Baile Folklorico and Baile de los Viejitos from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and a live Mariachi band performance.

“It was a really fun night for everyone, and I was so glad to see everyone come together to celebrate such a special holiday in Hispanic culture,” Vazquez said. 

More Montevallo

Montevallo seeks next step in Kevin Smith’s second year, jump to 5A

Voter turnout strong once again in Alabama, Shelby County

Donald Trump elected 47th President of the United States

Residents vote yes on local, statewide amendments