MADISON, Wis. — An annual Día de los Muertos performance at Madison East High School is ending because of funding challenges, but those who helped bring it to life hope it can return.
Since 2015, East High’s Raza United has brought community members together to celebrate Hispanic culture through traditional music and dance. The performances honor Día de los Muertos, a holiday when families remember loved ones who have died, and have featured local mariachi musicians.
Fernando Ponce, co-founder of Mariachi Corcel de Madison, said the celebration gives him a chance to share his heritage with the community.
“It just makes me feel so proud of the heritage of mariachi music, but also of Mexico,” Ponce said. “It’s amazing. I feel so proud to have that here in Madison.”
Gomez de Soriano has organized the event for years with help from parents, students and her family. What began as a one-time performance continued after community members asked for more, she said.
But inconsistent funding has made it difficult to cover performers’ pay and other expenses. Gomez de Soriano said this year’s performance will be the last, despite the community support that has helped sustain it.
Volunteer Diocelina Perez said she is sad to see the event end but hopes it can continue in the future. She called it an opportunity for the Latino community to share its culture and show how its members support one another.
Performer Carlos Soriano Leal also hopes the performances will return.
“I think it is necessary that this continues,” he said. “This is a beautiful event, and the community really likes it.”
