Ten Local Wish Kids to Ride in Dia de los Muertos Parade

This Saturday, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana staff and wish kids will participate in the 10th annual Magnolia Park Dia de los Muertos parade and festival. Through the generosity and support of several community partners, especially Baldemar Rodriguez and the Aeolian Manor, 10 local wish kids will experience the excitement and wonder of the parade for the first time.

Rodriguez is a key member of Las Estrellas, a volunteer group formed this year to help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for Hispanic wish kids throughout the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Prior to the parade, the group will host the wish kids and their families at Aeolian Manor for breakfast, traditional Dia de los Muertos face painting, and photos with characters and costumes inspired by the history of the day. Then, the group will head to Hidalgo Park for the parade and ride in a float.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize our wish kids and celebrate their heritage,” said Breeze Acevedo, Vice President of Mission Delivery for Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. “We are grateful for the amazing kindness of the Las Estrellas group and Houston’s Hispanic community in supporting our wish kids and the beautiful mission of Make-A-Wish.”

The 2023 Magnolia Park Día de los Muertos celebrates the 10th anniversary of a proud and industrious neighborhood of Magnolia Park kicking off with a parade from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The Alley Theatre El Zócalo and Aeolian Manor Foundation have planned an unforgettable day for the wish kids and their families. An amazing cast of 50 supporters that include artists, community leaders, parents, and special celebrity costume characters will come together for the wish kids, giving them cultural enrichment, hope, and the knowledge that dreams and wishes do come true. It starts this Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 8:00 am – 9:45 am at Aeolian Manor (8507 Chalcos Dr.; Houston; 77017). Following the parade, there will be a festival that will feature live music performances, community altar-building, and ofrendas, an art exhibit featuring a local artist, face painting, children’s activities, a marketplace featuring artisan wares from local vendors, and award-winning lowriders on from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the historic Hidalgo Park (7000 Ave Q; Houston; 77011).