Mankato Ek brothers open 10,000-person Day of the Dead festival

Brothers Alex and Justin Ek are preparing for their seventh annual Old Town Day of the Dead festival in Mankato, Minnesota. The event takes place this Saturday on Riverfront Drive. It is set to host approximately 10,000 attendees.

The festival started in 2019 in the parking lot of the family business, Bellissimo Paint and Coatings. The city now closes three full blocks of Riverfront Drive for the occasion. More than 100 vendors participate, selling Mexican food, cultural goods, and Latino arts and crafts.

Justin Ek, 36, and his brother work in a studio space on Riverfront Drive to create alebrijes for the display. These sculptures are fantastical creatures made from crushed paper and cardboard using cartonería techniques. Justin explained the process involves building a strong structure with cardboard and packing it with paper. He then applies a corn-based paste and paints the finished piece.

Although alebrijes are not traditional customs for el Día de los Muertos, the brothers use them to share their Mexican heritage. Justin described the sculptures as vessels for the love poured into the event. He noted that the scale of the creatures brings joy to viewers.

The event features Mariachi music, Mexican wrestling, and traditional dance performances. Alex Ek, 38, said the festival connects the growing Latino population with the wider Mankato community. He emphasized its value for younger generations to see their culture on display.

Alex stated that the festival was not present when he and his brother grew up. He said it is important for kids to experience their culture and feel accepted in their own community. The brothers aim to share their thoughts and culture with everyone in Mankato.

The celebration occurs amid challenges for Minnesota’s Latinos. Latino-owned businesses have faced financial strain due to high tariffs on imported cultural goods. Some businesses have closed. Many families cope with fear over aggressive ICE enforcement and the grief of loved ones detained and deported.

The Ek family lost relatives to ICE detention and deportation last spring. Justin said these events changed their lives but did not stop them from holding the festival. He noted that doing something loud and proud puts a target on them.

Justin argued that hateful voices feel bold right now, making messages of unity necessary. The event demonstrates that the community loves being in America and wants to embrace local things while bringing cultural elements for others to learn. He concluded that keeping the event alive is the right thing to do.

Old Town Day of the Dead 2026 is free to attend. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. The location covers the 300 to 600 blocks of Riverfront Drive in Mankato.