Día de Los Muertos 2024 in Texas

Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration observed across Texas. This annual event is a lively fusion of costumes, music, dancing, parades, and activities that appeal to all ages. The festival offers a chance to experience traditional Mexican culture through its unique festivities, including lantern-lit parades, coffin races, and salsa cook-offs. Held primarily in the southern regions and major cities of the Lone Star State, Día de Los Muertos is a time for communities to honor their ancestors in a festive and colorful manner.

Día de Los Muertos festivities are held in various cities across Texas, with major celebrations in Austin, Houston, Denton, Port Isabel, and San Antonio.

Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade (October 25, 2024)

The Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade features elaborately decorated barges with altars, catrinas, and costumed riders, each float representing a unique aspect of the Day of the Dead traditions. Doors open at 6 pm for an evening of cultural celebration. The parade starts at 7 pm from the Weston Centre and reaches the Arneson River Theatre at approximately 7:45 pm. Tickets range from $15 to $60, depending on the viewing area, and children aged two and older require a ticket.

Day of the Dead Festival at La Villita (October 25—27, 2024)

Experience the magic of San Antonio's 6th Annual Day of the Dead Festival at the historic La Villita. This vibrant celebration of life and remembrance features dazzling lights, colorful parades, live music, and rich cultural traditions. Over the three-day festival, enjoy a wide array of activities, including a Culinary Village, face painting, altar workshops, and the Catrina Artisan Market. Marvel at the Giant Alebrije Exhibit and the Calavera Collection, featuring vibrant Mexican folk art. The festival also offers family-friendly fun with painting workshops and the Student Calavera Art Wall. For those aged 21 and over, the Herradura Ultra Lounge provides an exclusive evening experience with tequila tastings and live DJ performances on Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Dallas Dia de los Muertos Parade & Festival (Saturday, October 26, 2024)

The 5th Annual Dallas Dia de los Muertos Parade & Festival, presented by Reliant, will take place from 2 pm to 10 pm, with the parade running from 7 pm to 8 pm. Held at Dallas City Hall, this vibrant event honors loved ones and celebrates life with live music, a dazzling parade, delicious food, and engaging arts and crafts. The festival invites everyone to join in, embracing the spirit of Dia de los Muertos with authentic attire and a festive atmosphere. Attendees will also see Dallas leaders recognized for their contributions to the city. This celebration is open to all who wish to partake in a meaningful tribute to culture and community.

Hughes Family Tribute Center Celebración del Día de Muertos (October 19—November 3, 2024)

The 10th Annual Celebración del Día de Muertos, hosted by Hughes Family Tribute Center in Dallas, will feature an array of activities, including live mariachi music, Mayan dance performances, Folklorico dancers, face painting, and children’s games. Attendees will also enjoy local artist exhibitions and special art installations like Los Espíritus del Bosque and The Banquet by Art Garcia, Christa Diepenbrock, and Heather Simpson. Since its launch in 2014, the celebration has expanded to become a prominent event that authentically honors the Day of the Dead and cultural traditions.

Día de los Muertos in Houston (Friday, November 1, 2024)

Discovery Green in Houston will host a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration from 7 pm to 10 pm. This holiday will feature hands-on art activities, artist demonstrations, and a variety of vendors. Attendees can enjoy cultural performances and live music by local artist Nick Gaitan, who will perform Tejas roots music, including boleros, Tex-Mex, and Chicano soul. Houston artist Angel Quesada has created a community altar at Discovery Green, where visitors are encouraged to place images or mementos of their departed loved ones.

Fiddlesticks Farms Fall Festival (September 28—November 16, 2024)

Fiddlesticks Farms in Midland, Texas, offers a fun-filled fall adventure at its annual Fall Festival. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, meet friendly farm animals, and explore a 7-acre cornfield maze with changing designs each year. The maze has two phases: the main phase, lasting 30-45 minutes, and the Fairy Tale Trail, perfect for children, lasting about 15-20 minutes. The 10-acre pumpkin patch features 15 varieties of pumpkins, including Jack o’Lanterns and Fairy Tales, ideal for decoration and cooking.

Families can enjoy over 25 attractions, delicious food, and campfires. The farm is open in September and October on Saturdays from 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm. In November, it is open on Saturdays from 1 pm to 6 pm. Children aged three and under enter for free, while everyone aged four and above must pay admission, with peak season day passes priced at $25.

Día de los Muertos at Pearl Brewery, San Antonio (Saturday, November 2, 2024)

Hosted by Pearl, this free community celebration invites the public to experience the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos on November 2, from 5 pm to 9 pm. The event honors the lives of loved ones who have passed, with ofrendas (altars) crafted by local and regional artists displayed across the Pearl property. Attendees can enjoy live music, art installations, and children’s activities, along with a procession and opportunities for art-making. Costumes and face painting are encouraged.

History and Evolution

The tradition of celebrating Día de Los Muertos has deep roots in Hispanic history and the ancient American civilizations of the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec. The fest is based on the belief that deceased relatives return to the mortal world for two days to visit loved ones. To welcome these spirits, families prepare altars adorned with food, drinks, candles, photos, and incense.

Over the years, Día de Los Muertos has evolved into a multicultural celebration in Texas, blending indigenous traditions with contemporary influences. The festival has grown in popularity, attracting diverse audiences eager to participate in its colorful customs and rituals. From its historical origins to its present-day manifestations, Día de Los Muertos remains a poignant and joyous tribute to those who have passed.