What began in 2015 as a small, uncertain celebration in the Madison East High School theater has now grown into one of the school’s most beloved annual traditions. The 9th annual Día de los Muertos Performance & Fundraiser will once again fill the halls of East on Saturday, Nov. 1, with color, music, and remembrance, drawing more than 800 attendees from across the community.
“When this event first started, we didn’t know what to expect,” recalls Silvia Gomez, East High School’s Bilingual Resource Specialist (BRS), one of the event’s organizers and the advisor for Raza United. “Back then, we didn’t even know if we had food to sell! But people loved it, and each year it’s grown — not just in size, but in meaning.”
Today, the Día de los Muertos celebration has become both a vibrant cultural showcase and a vital fundraiser supporting two student organizations: Ballet Folklórico de Maria Díaz and the Raza United Student Association.
Proceeds from ticket sales help fund traditional dance costumes and decorations, ensuring that students can participate regardless of financial need. “Individual dresses can cost between $175 and $350,” Gomez explains. “That’s a lot for families, so the funds we raise help make it possible for everyone to be part of the ballet.”
Money from food sales go directly to Raza United, funding graduation stoles, field trips, and other student-led activities. This year, the group hopes to raise enough to take nine students on an educational trip to Mexico in the spring.
But beyond the fundraising, Gomez says, it’s the spirit of togetherness that gives the event its lasting power. “In a time when the world can feel so divided and heavy, this event brings people together,” she says. “There’s no talk of politics or social status — just pure joy, laughter, and remembrance. La Cultura Cura — culture heals.”
The event is almost entirely student-driven. Dancers from schools across Dane County have spent months practicing traditional Mexican folkloric dances, while members of Raza United volunteer to decorate, serve food, greet guests, and even speak on stage. Parents also play an essential role — coordinating food donations, setup, and cleanup.
“When students are part of something like this, it gives them pride, confidence, and leadership experience,” Gomez says. “They learn about their culture, about community, and about the beauty of working together.”
The Día de los Muertos performance is open to everyone, regardless of background. Attendees can enjoy traditional foods, music, and dance from various regions of Mexico while learning about the customs that honor loved ones who have passed away.
“This event helps everyone in Madison appreciate the richness of Latinx culture,” says Gomez. “It’s a chance to taste, see, and feel the traditions that make our community stronger and more connected.”
Like many community projects, the event faces challenges — mainly funding and time. “It takes a lot of resources to put everything together,” Gomez admits. “Sometimes we struggle to get donations or sponsorships. But the families who donate their time, food, and love make it all possible — and that’s what makes it so worthwhile.”
Her hope is that the tradition continues for years to come. “It all started because a few parents said they missed their home country,” she remembers. “This event brought a little piece of Mexico to them — and now, it’s become something much bigger. It’s about celebrating who we are, together.”
Event Details
When: • 2 p.m. Educational Show (45 minutes) – geared toward younger audiences, interactive, $5 for everyone
• 5 p.m. Main Show (90 minutes) – open to all, $10 adults / $7 students
Where: Madison East High School, 2222 E. Washington Ave, Madison, WI
Food Sale: 3-4:430 p.m. in the cafeteria
Special feature: A slideshow honoring loved ones will be shown during one of the evening songs. Community members may submit photos of deceased loved ones by October 29.
How to support
Those who can’t attend but wish to support Raza United can make donations or sponsor student activities. Contributions can be sent to:
Madison East High School,
Attn: Raza United,
2222 E. Washington Ave,
Madison, WI 53704
For more information, email Silvia Gomez at [email protected].
“Raza United does so much for our community—from reading to elementary students to organizing the May Day March for immigrant and Latinx workers’ rights,” says Gomez. “Every bit of support helps our students continue to grow as leaders.”
