On Sunday, Oct, 29, the Downey Theatre hosts one of the city’s signature events, the 10th annual Downey Dia de Los Muertos Art Festival, a regional draw that includes special attractions for children aged 4-14.
Popular sites include the “Student Art Exhibition” for ages 6-14, the crowd-pleasing bilingual puppet show, and bilingual story time in the Library hosted by Mijas Books and featuring artists Naibe Reynoso, author and founder of Con Todo Press; Teresa Verduzco, author of "Sundays with Abuelita"/"Domingos with Abuelita"; Mariana Galvez, author and illustrator with Lil Libros; and Susie Jaramillo, creator of the Emmy-nominated preschool brand Canticos, author and illustrator of the Skeletina book series.
New this year is the interactive Music Petting Zoo where musicians offer children and students a hands-on introduction to a variety of orchestral instruments.
Also featured is a water-color workshop hosted by Downey’s Stay Gallery and silkscreen demonstrations hosted by Gallery 9, a lynchpin in Riverside’s burgeoning Hispanic art scene; an interactive “chalk walk,” plus “make and take” papel picado and calaveras (sugar skull) decorating demonstrations led by master artisans.
Favorite photo ops include the “Garden of Catrinas'' and the array of altars in the Plaza; the “Ballet Folklorico Celebration” in the Theatre; live bands in the Zocalo and Community stages, the “car altars,” and fine art galleries in the Theater mezzanine and lobby.
Awarded recognition by the state of California, the Festival has hosted a decade of cultural and educational entertainments including Grammy winning performers and Academy Award winning films.
Continuous music and dance entertainment on three stages, 10+ food trucks and food carts, shopping from 35 vendors, and much more.
Festival hours: 11 am – 8 pm
Free attendance /free parking
At the Downey Theatre and surrounding Civic Center/8435 Firestone Blvd.
2023 sponsors include Downey Federal Credit Union, Downey Nissan, Health Net, Nova Storage, Rose Hills Mortuary, Optum Health, PIH Health, and Stonewood Shopping Center.
Comments