MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Arts and Community Events Society (ACES) has been awarded a first-quarter Susan B. Herron/Lively Arts and Education Grant to support its 2026 Day of the Dead celebration planned for downtown Meridian later this year.
The grant presentation took place Tuesday at the ACES studio, where representatives from the Community Foundation of East Mississippi recognized the organization’s efforts to promote arts, education and cultural awareness through the annual event.
“We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a recipient of the Susan B. Herron Lively Arts and Education Grant for Day of the Dead,” Community Foundation of East Mississippi Executive Director Christin Waters said in a statement announcing the award.
According to the grant application, ACES plans to host Day of the Dead 2026 on Oct. 30 at the ACES Gallery and Dumont Plaza in downtown Meridian. The festival is designed to celebrate Día de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones through art, music and cultural activities.
The event will include mariachi music, interpretive dancers, traditional face painting, food vendors and public altar displays honoring loved ones. Student artwork from grades 6 through 12 will also be featured in a glow-in-the-dark blacklight exhibit inside the ACES Gallery.
ACES officials said the festival aligns with the organization’s mission to support artists, provide educational events and foster community partnerships.
“The Arts & Community Events Society states that we are dedicated to shaping a creative economy to foster and support artists; identifying opportunities and providing noteworthy events that educate and spark imagination and excitement for our diverse community,” the application states.
Organizers said one of the primary goals of the event is to educate the public about the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos and distinguish it from Halloween.
“Day of the Dead should not be a scary holiday, but a day to honor our loved ones that have passed on,” the grant application states.
The application also highlighted Meridian’s growing Hispanic population and the importance of expanding cultural events in the downtown area.
UNESCO has recognized Día de los Muertos as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, citing its historical and cultural importance throughout Mexico and Central America.
Grant funds totaling $1,000 will help cover festival expenses, including live entertainment, decorations, educational supplies and student art contest prizes.
Project leaders for the event include ACES board members Gabby Ortiz, Rachel Huff and Lauren Fugitt.
