Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time to celebrate and honor family, friends and loved ones who have passed by welcoming their spirits on their journey back to Earth once a year. The holiday, celebrated Nov. 1-2, has roots in ancient Mexico and is celebrated mainly by those of Latino and Hispanic descent.
From festivals and parades to community altars and arts and crafts, check out these upcoming Day of the Dead community events taking place across the state.
Austin
41st Annual Viva La Vida Festival & Parade
The biggest and longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration in Austin is back for its 41st year on Saturday, Oct. 26. The celebration is organized by Mexic-Arte Museum and includes a parade at noon down 6th Street with traditional costumes, live music, dancing, low riders and more. The festival consists of ballet folklórico, a costume contest, DIY marigold crowns and other arts and crafts, artisan vendors and more.
Mexic-Arte is continuing the Day of the Dead celebration by throwing a Muertos Mercado on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Republic Square Park with local vendors, traditional foods such as pan de muerto and tamales, storytelling, live music, Aztec dancing and a community ofrenda.
The Austin Public Library Little Walnut Creek Branch is hosting a Day of the Dead arts and crafts day for all ages on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event includes calavera face painting, crafts including DIY sugar skulls and votive candles, and music. RSVP here.
Día de los Muertos presented by Siete Family Foods & Waterloo Greenway
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and Austin-based Siete Family Foods will host a Day of the Dead festival at Waterloo Park on Friday, Nov. 1 featuring live music, dancing, face painting, themed cocktails, artisan vendors, a pet altar and a community altar on the Moody Amphitheatre stage.
San Antonio
12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Hemisfair
The 12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Hemisfair is a beloved cultural event that takes place from Oct. 26-27 and includes five stages for live music and poetry, a procession on both days, over 80 altars, a mercado with over 70 vendors and craft workshops for kids.
Centro Cultural Aztlan 47th annual exhibit
The Centro Cultural Aztlan is hosting a Day of the Dead exhibit showcasing the tradition of Día de los Muertos altars and the history of the cultural event. Altars in the exhibit are made by local artists, and an artisan market will also take place outside. The opening reception takes place on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the exhibition runs through Thursday, Nov. 7.
Day of the Dead Celebration & River Parade
This year’s Day of the Dead celebration in San Antonio takes place from Oct. 25-27 and includes live music, altar building, face painting, a parade, a giant alebrije exhibit, the tallest “La Catrina” statue in the U.S., an artisan market and more. Find tickets for the River Parade here.
Día de los Muertos at Rinconcito de Esperanza
Rinconcito de Esperanza is hosting a Day of the Dead celebration with traditional elements like an altar, a procession, food, live music, face painting and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring photos of their loved ones, flowers and candles to add to the altar. The event is free and takes place on Friday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m.
DFW
Fort Worth Botanic Garden free admission day
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s “Honoring and Remembering: Day of the Dead” will feature artistic works like a carpet of marigold flowers and giant catrinas and skulls crafted by artisans from the Feria del Alfeñique in Toluca, Mexico (Fort Worth’s sister city). There will also be a traditional altar, Mexican food and drinks, live music and dance performances and a procession of live catrinas in costume strolling through the garden. The best part of the event is that entry is free on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dallas Public Library Fiesta Familia
The Dallas Public Library will celebrate Day of the Dead by hosting a Fiesta Familia arts & crafts event. Attendees can make a DIY ofrenda out of a shoebox, participate in an alebrije scavenger hunt and witness a festive dance performance. The event takes place at the Fretz Park Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Día de los Muertos Fiesta Latina
Hispanic Heritage Ambassadors DFW is hosting a Day of the Dead Fiesta Latina at Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie on Friday, Nov. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The celebration includes booths, an exhibit dedicated to alebrijes and catrinas, food, drinks and entertainment.
5th annual Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival
Dallas’ annual Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The parade is open to anyone who wants to participate and takes place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting at Dallas City Hall. The festival will include live music, concessions, arts and crafts and more. RSVP here.