Dia de Muertos in downtown Marion

On Saturday, downtown Marion was host for the third annual Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration with mariachi music, traditional Mexican foods and drinks and games for children. This special event helps folks honor the memories of loved ones who have passed away. Marion’s Dia de Muertos celebration began as a passion project for Martín del Campo, who is originally from Mexico City and teaches second grade at Eastfield Global Magnet School. Starting in 2017, she partnered with the city of Marion, the McDowell Arts Council and Beam Funeral Service to organize the festival, and soon found big support among Marion’s city leadership and small business community. Other local Marion businesses and organizations participating and sponsoring the 2019 festival are Flavors on Main, the Crooked Door Coffee House, Centro Unido Latino Americano, Aria Rose, the Corpening Memorial YMCA, Artesana Ice Cream, Simply Sweet & Happy, Hola Community Arts and the N.C. Arts Council.