Downtown Orlando’s Día de los Muertos & Monster Event returns tonight

Downtown Orlando is getting a lively mix of art, music and culture tonight as the Downtown Arts District hosts its 17th annual Día de los Muertos Monster Event from 6 to 10 p.m. at CityArts, 39 S. Magnolia Ave.This free event combines Day of the Dead and Halloween-inspired exhibits at CityArts with a Magnolia Avenue street party featuring regional, national and international artists, vendors, installations, face painting, food trucks and live performances.This year’s lineup includes Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara, México Lindo Folkloric Ballet, belly dancer Sadira, Banda Alternativa, singer Francisco Gabriel and Ravelli. The night also features a Día de los Muertos procession through downtown.“Seventeen years in, Día de los Muertos Monster Event continues to be one of the most vibrant and anticipated nights of the year for the Downtown Arts District,” executive director Barbara Hartley said. “It’s an incredible celebration of art, culture and community that brings so many people togeth