After a year-long wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bay City Tourism Manager Heidi Martinez is counting down the days for the return of the “Day of the Dead” festival Saturday, Nov. 6.
“We learned from our last event and have made some changes this year,” she explained.
“We’re definitely going bigger this year! I can’t wait for everyone to see all of our new features.”
Martinez added that she expected at least 3,000 attendees to show up for the cultural festival.
“We hope to continue to grow this event year after year,” she said.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be putting this on again!”
The event is from noon to 10 p.m. at Le Tulle Park and features a variety of experiences.
Tickets are $5 per person at the gate and children 5 and under get in free.
Live entertainment will be provided by Aztec dancers, Tejano Highway 281, and headlining band Grupo Metal featuring Chris Perez.
“That’s Chris Perez as in ‘The’ Chris Perez – Selena’s husband,” Martinez added.
There will also be a cornhole tournament and a Day of the Dead costume contest.
“We’ve also got two ofrendas this year and are encouraging the community to bring a photo of their loved ones that passed,” said Martinez.
“This isn’t just about losses from COVID, we want to share in remembering all of our loved ones and to honor their memory at this celebration.”
The pumpkin patch and children’s area make a return along with face painting and a photo backdrop.
“At the end of the night we’ll also be doing our lantern release, too,” she said.
“We’ve got more colorful lanterns this year.”
Vendors will sell everything from food to accessories.
“I’ve still got a few openings for vendors, so, if they’re interested I can be reached at the city,” she said.
“We’ve also got ‘The Happy Bar’ that’ll be serving, too. We want everyone to drink and to celebrate responsibly.”
Martinez added that several local hotels are offering room discounts for those attending the festival.
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