Here’s how to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Houston!
Día de los Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of passed loved ones. The thousands-of-years-old Aztec-originated tradition is celebrated throughout Latin America every year with feasts, costumes, and sugar skulls. Celebrate the rich, cultural holiday here in Houston with festivals, markets, and more! [
1. Celebrate at this Massive Parade
On Saturday, November 1, Houston will have the chance to get in on the celebration at its returning Día de los Muertos parade and festival. Taking place at Sam Houston Park, the event will feature arts and crafts, live music, cultural culinary delicacies, and more from 2 pm to 10 pm.
2. City Place Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Northwest Houston’s City Place will host a special Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 1. The free, family-friendly event will feature live performances including traditional dances, live music, and interactive experiences.
On top of vibrant decor and beautiful photo-ops, the event will also feature a special altar (or ofrenda), curated market, and delicious food. Featured performances include the Tres Amigos Mariachi and, Azteca Dance Group, and Shekere Latin variety band.
3. Dia de los Muertos at Discovery Green
Alongside its ongoing Houston Pumpkin Festival, Discovery Green is set to host a grand Day of the Dead celebration in honor of past loved ones. The event will feature a variety of cultural performances including La Catrina Monarca, Segundo Barrio Choir, and Nick Gaitan. Additionally, the celebration will feature an altar, on-site vendors, great eats, and a Catrina y Catrin contest. The celebration takes place on Sunday, November 2.
4. Day of the Dead Celebration at Houston Zoo
On November 1st and 2nd, the Houston Zoo will decorate its wild grounds in festive and glowing decor in honor of Dia de los Muertos. Here, visitors will be able to see La Catrina, engage in craft and art activities, as well as bring a tribute photo to the zoo’s special animal ofrenda, in honor of special animals that have passed.
5. Dia de los Muertos on the Kemah Boardwalk
Galveston’s Kemah Boardwalk is hosting a special Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 1, with Day of the Dead crafts, Folklorico performances, DJs and live music, costume contests, fire spinners, and more! The event runs from 2 pm – 9:15 pm.
6. 12th Annual Magnolia Park Dia de los Muertos Parade & Festival
On Saturday, October 25, “Houston’s First Barrio” will be hosting its 12th Annual Dia de los Muertos Parade & Festival. Kicking off with a parade at 9 am, the longstanding Houston Latino neighborhood will feature a vibrant celebration at Hidalgo Park.
Festivities are set to include a procession of bands, floats, live music performances, as well as community altars, local vendors, colorful decorations, and more!
7. MECA’s Dia de Muertos Festival
On November 1 and 2, MECA will host its 25th annual celebration with two days of festivities. Held at their colorful campus, the FREE two-day festival will feature live music and performances across three stages, cultural cuisine, artists and vendors, community workshops, ofrendas, festival delights, and children’s art activities. DOW School 1900 Kane St.
8. Mexico Sugar 3-Day Celebration
Houston’s newly minted two-story Mexican restaurant will host a three-day Day of the Dead celebration in Houston. Kicking off on Friday, October 31, the event will be a celebration of food, art, and music, and include tequila tastings, Sugar Skull Cocoa Bomb Carts, a live DJ performance, and Nitrogen Margaritas.
9. Catch a Screening of Coco
To wrap of their weekend of festivities, City Place Plaza will host a screening of Pixar classic, Coco. The family movie night will take place on Sunday, November 2, at 6 pm on The Plaza with face paintings and activities for the kiddos. Admission is free.
10. Enjoy Pan de Muerto at URBE
From now until November 2, URBE bakery is preparing sweet, handmade pan de muerto in honor of the Day of the Dead. The bread will be available on Saturdays, and available for large to-go orders.
11. Don Julio Cocktails at Tago
Following its Halloween party on Friday night, Tago will celebrate Dia de los Muertos this Sunday with an appearance by the Don Julio Truck. From 2 to 4 pm, November 2, patrons can enjoy special cocktails among festive decor and vibrant spirits.