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It might have seemed to be a normal fall evening in Winchester on Friday, November 1. 

However, the scene at Legacy Grove Park at 1107 W. Lexington Avenue was lively and enriched in multiculturalism. 

Legacy Grove Park and Community First Insurance presented the first ever Dia De Los Muertos Festival from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., honoring Hispanic heritage throughout the community and abroad. 

“I think it went so well. We had so much fun. It was something totally different from what we usually do,” said Anna Campomanes, Event and Marketing Coordinator for Legacy Greenscapes. “We’re excited to do it [again] next year!” 

The festival recognized The Day of the Dead, a holiday traditionally celebrated in Mexico on November 1 and 2. 

On that day, friends and family gather to honor and pay respects to friends and family members who have passed away. 

The Dia de los Muertos Festival included many acts, such as a folk dancing group. 

“They did four different dances from different parts of Mexico,” Campomanes said, noting they were one of many dances being presented. “We don’t have [many] dancing programs at Legacy Grove, so that was something that was really special.” 

Local artists Diana Reyes and Danielle Noonan – who is associated with Side Quest Productions – also appeared. 

Noonan, who performed and took pictures with members of the crowd, was into the celebratory spirit. 

“She was dressed up in the monarch butterfly outfit, and with the skull face paint,” Campomanes acknowledged. “She talked about the history of the Day of the Dead with people who are asking.” 

A number of vendors, Clark County Public Library being among them, also were present. 

“We had vendors who sold Mexican goods. We had hispanic food vendors too,” Campomanes added. “I think that was really important…to have lots of representation.” 

Reyes, who also sits on the Board for Legacy Greenscapes, played a large role in making the event possible. 

The event was well populated

“We had a beautiful crowd of people that [haven’t] usually come to Legacy Nights…from Winchester and the surrounding counties,” Campomanes said. “Legacy Grove was really happy to partner with [others] to do this really cool event.” 

Campomanes hopes that the event will be one of many to represent diversity throughout Clark County. 

“My understanding is that the Hispanic population here in Winchester has really grown,” she said. “It’s important when we’re creating a community space that it’s for everyone in the community.”

She added that the event offered special meaning as well, and hopes that other events can take place at night as well. 

“We get to really [build] bridges,” she said. “We had the street lights, and the ambience was really good.”