Abilene Zoo marks Día de los Muertos with ofrendas, mariachi and an animal altar
The two-night celebration on Nov. 1–2 was included with regular zoo admission.
CommunityThe Abilene Zoo held a two-night Día de los Muertos celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 2. The event, sponsored by Great Lakes Cheese, had mariachi music, folklórico dancers, a DJ, face painting, food, and community ofrendas honoring people and pets who have died. Zookeepers built an altar for animals.
Families, schools and groups could register to build an ofrenda, and visitors could decorate a frame for a photo of a loved one or pet and either take it home or add it to the community altar. There was also a Catrina contest and parade, with a family zoo membership as the prize.
Admission was included with a regular zoo ticket, which costs $10 for adults and $7 for children, with discounts for seniors and military members. Zoo members got in free.
