Mankato festival draws 10,000 despite ICE crackdowns
The Ek brothers are holding their seventh annual Day of the Dead celebration Saturday on Riverfront Drive, even as local Latino families face new economic and personal pressures.
By James Mitchell ·
A giant cardboard fish stands in a small studio on Riverfront Drive in Mankato, Minnesota.
Brothers Alex and Justin Ek built the sculpture using crushed paper, cardboard, and corn-based paste. They call these creations alebrijes, a form of Mexican folk art depicting fantastical creatures. Justin Ek, 36, explained the process involves building a strong structure with the materials and then painting them. He said the scale of the creatures shocks people and brings them joy. Although alebrijes are not a traditional part of Day of the Dead customs, the brothers display them at their festival to share their family's Mexican heritage.
The event, now in its seventh year, began in 2019 in the parking lot of the family's business, Bellissimo Paint and Coatings. It has expanded to close three full blocks of Riverfront Drive. More than 100 vendors will sell Mexican food, cultural goods, and crafts on Saturday. Organizers expect 10,000 attendees to enjoy mariachi music, Mexican wrestling, and traditional dance performances.
The celebration arrives during a difficult period for the local Latino community. High tariffs on imported cultural goods have strained Latino-owned businesses, forcing some to close. Many families also cope with the fear of aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. Some Ek relatives were detained and deported by ICE last spring. Justin Ek acknowledged that the situation puts a target on the group for being loud and proud. He stated that the aggressive tactics have changed their lives but will not stop the event.
Alex Ek, 38, noted that the festival helps connect the growing Latino population with the rest of Mankato. It provides younger generations with a visible space to see their culture represented. He pointed out that the event did not exist when he and his brother were growing up. He said it is important for kids to know they are accepted in their own community. Justin Ek argued that unity messages are needed now because hateful voices feel bold. He wants people to know that the community loves America and wants to embrace local things while sharing their own culture for others to learn.
The Old Town Day of the Dead 2026 festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The location is the 300 to 600 blocks of Riverfront Drive in Mankato. Admission is free.
