Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – Fall is a perfect season for visiting the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS). Community members are invited to enjoy traditional activities at their biggest cultural program of the year. The IMAS kicks off its fall programming with Día de los Muertos Festival and Market at the Museum on Sunday, October 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Visitors can play Lotería, create papel picado, make a paper butterfly shadow box, view the altars display, and decorate a traditional sugar skull ($2 per participant). A diverse vendor market will be on site with traditional pieces and handmade goods including art, jewelry, plants, aguas frescas, and sweet treats. Community tables include McAllen Public Library and Valley Symphony Orchestra. The McAllen Creative Incubator will hold a table featuring Creative Arts Studio and their mariachi group from 2:00-3:00 p.m. A special performance by UTRGV Ballet Folklórico will take place at 3:30 p.m.
“I am thrilled to welcome visitors back to our most festive event of the year. While last year’s virtual celebration was successful, I missed engaging with participants in person,” shared Claudia Martinez Gray, Director of Education. “I am most excited for visitors to see our altar display this year. IMAS Educator Angelica Rodriguez has created a beautiful altar dedicated to Melissa Dotson Betts, a former Edinburg teacher and advocate for education for Black children. We are honored to be able to share this piece of local history with others.”
Nine total altars will be displayed, all honoring past civil leaders who humbly served their communities. Participating organizations include UTRGV Center for Latin American Arts, McAllen Public Library, Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas troops, Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the National Art Honor Society from Weslaco East High School. Participating individuals include Juan Frias and local artist M. Antonio Wing.
Día de los Muertos Festival and Market is included in the cost of admission ($3). Children ages 4-12 receive discounted admission of $1. WIC and EBT cardholders can attend for $1 per person (up to four people). Educators, children 3 and under, and IMAS Members receive free admission. More information can be found online at theimasonline.org or during operating hours at 956-681-2800.
