Culture - Emporia, Kansas

EMPORIA CELEBRATES

Downtown Emporia comes to life in spring and fall with colorful celebrations of Latino culture and heritage. Local non-profit, Hispanics of Today & Tomorrow, hosts the CINCO DE MAYO BLOCK PARTY annually in May. The group also hosts the DIA DE LOS MUERTOS celebration and parade annually in October. Both events are held Downtown and are packed with food, music, dancing and fun for kids and families.

Emporia is the official founding city of VETERANS DAY. In 1953, Emporia celebrated the first Veterans Day a year before congress made it a National Holiday in 1954. Today, Emporia is known for its two-week-long ALL VETERANS TRIBUTE CELEBRATION (annually in November). These two weeks include festivities such as the Veterans Day Parade, FreedomFest, Veteran Artist Exhibition, Quilts of Gratitude, and a Memorial Service to honor all veterans. Take a walk downtown in November to see the annual Veterans Banner display, a project led by the Emporia Main Street organization. Over 270 banners are displayed along Commercial Street and ESU Campus honoring veterans.

Veterans Banners displayed on Commercial Street

Inclusivity

In 2021, Emporia held its first annual PRIDE CELEBRATION. This celebration consists of a parade, drag show, and food and drink specials throughout the day. In addition to the Pride Celebration, Emporia also holds an annual Juneteenth celebration. JUNETEENTH is a national holiday that celebrates the emancipation of all enslaved peoples in the United States. In Emporia, this celebration includes history discussions, live music, and a barbecue!