Woodward Tourism Receives Grant from Oklahoma Arts Council for Día de los Muertos Event

Pictured are Woodward Tourism's Día de los Muertos Committee: Luis Villareal, Kevin Robles, Ofelia Marin, Cheryle Shepherd, and Megan Johnston; Catrina Bones: Jennifer Cisneros; and Mariachi Sol de América

Woodward Tourism is excited to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council's Community Arts Experience program in support of its earlier Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration that took place November 2, 2024. The grant, which provided $3,387 in funding, helped enhance and expand the cultural impact of this event, allowing the community to experience rich traditions and creative expressions of Mexican culture.

The Oklahoma Arts Council is the state’s primary source of funding and advocacy for the arts, supporting projects that enrich the lives of Oklahomans and contribute to the growth of local economies, and the Community Arts Experience Grant, a part of the Council’s mission, is a competitive funding program designed to support festivals, exhibitions, performances, and other audience-based projects that promote the arts and enrich community life. The grant’s goals include expanding arts and cultural opportunities for Oklahomans, fostering local engagement, and ensuring that the arts continue to thrive across the state. This initiative plays a critical role in enhancing the cultural landscape of Northwest Oklahoma, offering diverse opportunities for individuals of all ages to engage with the arts while also providing dynamic experiences for both residents and visitors. The funds Woodward Tourism received directly contributed to creating an immersive and exciting event that highlights the artistic and cultural heritage of the Day of the Dead tradition.

“We are deeply honored to receive this grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council,” said Megan Johnston, Director of Woodward Tourism. “This funding allowed us to bring our community together to celebrate and honor the lives of loved ones with vibrant music, delicious food, and traditional activities. Our Dia de los Muertos event proved to be a meaningful occasion, and with the support of this grant, as well as our multitude of local business sponsors, we were able to make it an even more impactful and memorable experience for everyone in our community.”

The Dia de los Muertos celebration is a cultural and artistic event that features traditional music, dance, altars (ofrendas), face painting, authentic cuisine, and other activities that reflect the rich history and significance of the holiday. The event was open to all ages and aimed to create an inclusive space for attendees to learn about and participate in this meaningful tradition. Woodward’s annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration is slated for Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 3:00PM to 8:00PM at the Woodward County Event Center & Fairgrounds.

The Oklahoma Arts Council’s Community Arts Experience program plays a vital role in supporting local arts organizations across the state, and this grant is a testament to Woodward Tourism’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural environment in our region.

For more information about Woodward’s annual Dia de los Muertos celebration and other Woodward Tourism events, please visit www.visitwoodward.com or follow on Facebook at Woodward Tourism.