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?️ Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos Caminata ?️We invite you to join us for the Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos Caminata, a 3½-mile walk honoring the victims of La Matanza of 1915, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Caminata starts at Heavin Park and ends at the state historical marker in San Benito. Together, we will remember and honor those who lost their lives in this tragic chapter of history.
?️ About La Matanza of 1915:
La Matanza of 1915 was a period of intense racial violence in South Texas driven by rising racial tensions due to economic changes and increased immigration. State law enforcement agencies such as the Texas Rangers and vigilante groups carried out extrajudicial killings of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, often without due process. The violence led many to flee to Mexico and prompted an investigation and reorganization of the Texas Rangers in 1919. Estimates suggest that hundreds, possibly thousands, of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans were killed.
?♂️ About La Caminata:
The Caminata is more than just a walk - it is a procession in honor of the countless victims of La Matanza of 1915. Taking place in San Benito, a site marked by numerous extrajudicial killings along the stretch of highway to Brownsville, the event ends at a historical marker dedicated to these victims. This powerful walk serves as a reminder of the violence, racism, and ethnic oppression faced by people of Mexican ancestry in Texas—stories that have been too often overlooked or erased.
? Why During Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is a time to honor and remember the departed, and La Caminata aligns perfectly with this tradition. As we walk the path of the condemned, we symbolically retrace the steps of those unjustly taken to their place of execution. The historical marker serves as our altar, where we lay a floral wreath as an offering to the victims, connecting the past to the present and honoring the souls of those who suffered.
?️ Event Details:
?️ Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
? Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
? Starting Location: Heavin Park, 705 N. Bowie Street, San Benito, TX
?♂️ Distance: 3½ miles
✍️ How to Participate:
Participation in La Caminata is free, but we kindly ask you to register using the form linked to help us plan accordingly. Free t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to sign up early!
This is more than an event—it’s a chance to shine a light on a neglected part of our history and to honor those who came before us. Let’s walk together, remember together, and ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
We hope to see you there!
With Gratitude,
Ricardo Madrigal & Janie Alegria
San Benito Día de los Muertos Caminata
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Heavin Memorial Park, 468 W Rose St, San Benito, TX 78586, United States,San Benito, Texas
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