The Chaska Events Center hosted a Catrina Festival on Friday, Oct. 24, with several hundred in attendance. The event celebrated the iconic Mexican figure La Catrina and the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) holiday, with attendees both honoring the deceased and celebrating life.

One of the most recognizable symbols of The Day of the Dead celebrations is La Catrina, a tall female skeleton wearing a fancy hat with feathers. She represents an attitude where death is celebrated as part of the life cycle. La Catrina serves as a reminder to honor ancestors and live fully.

At the Chaska event, a parade/contest was held among participants dressed up as Catrina (female) and Catrin (male), demonstrating creativity through elaborate costumes and makeup. Multiple winners were crowned and are eligible to participate in parades.

The festival also featured live music, food trucks, performances by Aztec and Mayan dancers, photo opportunities, Latin American vendors, and community organizations. Attendees were upbeat and enjoyed the festivities.

“This is the second year we’ve held this festival,” said organizer Grecia Lozano. “Last year, it started as an idea to bring children together, but it quickly grew into an event attended by about 600 people. I’m very proud of community members who are interested in learning about our culture. We encourage people to be honored and celebrated.”

The Chaska Human Rights Commission was an event sponsor and hosted an informational booth.

“We partner with groups on many events, with a goal to make Chaska both welcoming and inclusive,” said Jennifer Welvaert, Commission vice chair. “It’s great to see how much excitement has grown for this festival.”

Interested in learning more? Check the Latino Voices Minnesota website. New members are always welcome, Lozano said.