Blanco Vista Elementary students line up in a procession that signals a definitive start to the Dia de los Muertos Festival. The students range from kinder through third grade and are part of the Hays CISD dual language program. (Photos by Kay Richter)
The festival included performers from a Lockhart dance studio. While performers showcased an array of costumes and dances, one common theme was the skull face paint that the majority of them wore.
by KAY RICHTER
The procession of black-clad skeletons made their way through the middle of the crowd that had gathered around them. They swayed to the music on the sound system while still glancing up every few seconds to make sure they were in sync with their peers and teachers.
The procession of skeletons, otherwise known as students in the dual language program at Blanco Vista Elementary School, helped to launch the third annual Dia de los Muertos Festival held on Saturday at the corner of Main and Center in old town Kyle.
The festival, traditionally celebrated on Nov. 2, celebrates the memory of loved ones that have died. Altars adorned with pictures of deceased loved ones combined with religious candles and flowers resembling marigolds decorated booths that lined the street. Marigolds are thought to carry a heavy scent that attracts the dead to the altar offerings.
The festival officially kicked off with the performance of Chapa and Wallace middle school mariachi bands. Mariachi Juvenil de Armando sang and performed several sets with their instructor, Carlos Maldonado, leading on the trumpet.
Along with other community leaders, Kyle Chamber of Commerce President Ray Hernandez was on site to say a few words to the crowd. The festival was sponsored by Seton Medical Center, Austin Community College, San Marcos Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson, the Johnson family of Kyle and the Kyle Chamber of Commerce.
“I think, above everything else, it educates the general public about the actual event and the celebration of the festival,” Hernandez said in response to a question about how the festival promotes diversity. “It also provides a firsthand opportunity for the community to participate in the event.”
Entertainment at the festival also featured Tejano bands and dancers from the Ballet Folklorico Tonantzin.
