The second annual Día de los Muertos festival in Owensboro drew a diverse crowd Saturday, transforming the Old National Bank parking lot into a hub of remembrance, cultural celebration, and community connection.
Nico Bustamante and Mario Vizuet organized the event, which was supported by Old National Bank, Owensboro Health, and the internal Network Impact Group, TODOS. The event aimed to bring Hispanic traditions to the heart of the city.
The festival has grown substantially from its inaugural event in 2023. Bustamante, the local co-chair of TODOS, said the expansion was clear, with 26 booths and four local Latino food vendors providing a wide variety of flavors and activities.
“Last year, we built the bones, and it sparked a bit more interest in participation this year,” Bustamante said. “We wanted to invite not just the Hispanic community but everyone so they can experience our traditions.”
Festivalgoers enjoyed an array of activities, including an interactive musical experience led by the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and children’s Zumba sessions with instructor Kaitlyn Gonzalez. The family-oriented event encouraged children to explore Latin culture through movement and music, adding an energetic touch to the celebration.
One of the festival’s central features was the Altar de Muertos, a traditional Day of the Dead altar where attendees could place photos and mementos of loved ones who have passed away.
“The altar is about remembering those who have impacted our lives,” said Monica Rubio, community lending market executive at Old National. “It’s a chance to honor them by placing their favorite items or foods, just as families do in Mexico.”
Vizuet reflected on the festival’s purpose of connecting people within and outside of the Hispanic community.
“In Hispanic culture, we value family deeply. We see each other as cousins, friends, brothers,” he said. “This event is about bringing that sense of family to everyone here, to share our resources, help connect with jobs, finance, and mental health support, and create a true sense of community.”
Bustamante and Vizuet’s commitment to showcasing Hispanic heritage while fostering a welcoming environment for everyone resonated with attendees. The festival saw a diverse turnout, with guests from various backgrounds coming together to celebrate.
“It’s about making everyone feel they’re part of the community, and I think we achieved that,” Bustamante said.
With the success of this year’s celebration, the organizers hope to keep growing the event in partnership with community members and organizations.
“We’re just continuing to grow,” Rubio said. “We hope to see more public, private, and municipal support in the future, to bring even more resources and opportunities for the people of Owensboro.”
