Springfield Sister Cities Association invites the public to join them for a festive celebration of their 20-year sister city relationship with Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico. The event, called Taste of Tlaquepaque: Dia de los Muertos, takes place on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E, Springfield.

Taste of Tlaquepaque is an annual fundraiser that showcases the vibrant culture and art of Mexico through music, food, and décor. This year, the event honors the rich and colorful tradition of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a time to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away.

The event features authentic ofrenda displays as well as artwork by Tlaquepaque artist Andrea Romero, who is one of the most recognized Catrina makeup artists in Jalisco. Catrinas are elegant and whimsical skeletons that symbolize Dia de los Muertos.

The highlight of the event is the lively music of Grupo Musical Canela, a renowned musical group from Tlaquepaque. They will showcase the best traditional and popular music of Mexico and Latin America that is sure to get you up and dancing. Through their stories and songs, you will also learn more about the history and meaning of Dia de los Muertos.

Tickets for Taste of Tlaquepaque are $50 for general admission and $25 for students. Upgrade your experience with a $300 sponsorship that includes two tickets to the concert and two tickets to the pre-party. The pre-party starts at 5:30 p.m. and features drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and time to mingle with the talented artists and musicians from Tlaquepaque.

Learn about all the sponsorship opportunities and get tickets at peacethroughpeople.org/taste.

Guests attending Taste of Tlaquepaque will have a memorable night of fun and entertainment, and they will also support SSCA’s cultural programs that promote “Peace Through People.” These programs foster friendship and understanding between people of different countries and cultures.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Mexico without leaving Springfield. Join Springfield Sister Cities for Taste of Tlaquepaque: Dia de los Muertos and celebrate 20 years of friendship with Tlaquepaque, our sister city in Jalisco, Mexico.

Special thanks to current event sponsors: Kerri McDaniel, Tony and Linda Shalloup, Arvest Bank, Central Bank and Central Trust, City of Springfield, Fisk Transportation, FORVIS, Great Southern Bank, MSU Department of Management, MSU International Programs, Neale & Newman, The Permit Shop, Simmons Bank, Springfield Public Schools, Rob and Sally Baird, Tom and Chandler Carlson, Tom Finnie, Michael and Nancy Hoeman, Brigitte Marrs, Tom and Kim Prater, Clif and Gail Smart, Michael and Suzanne Thomas, Mid-Missouri Bank, MSU Department of Languages and Cultures, Whitlock Co., Jim and Janet Anderson, Randy and Lisa Bakerink, Maryfrances DiGirolamo and Sharon DeRubis, Mary Fry, Carolyn Gerdes, Sandra Kanagawa, Guaranty Bank, Andy and Cindy Lear, Wally and Joyce Munden, Todd and Betty Parnell, Denny and Mary Pilant, John and Nancy Price, Jack and Marcie Rosenkoetter, and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Taste of Tlaquepaque and other Springfield Sister Cities events, visit peacethroughpeople.org.