Both Dallas and Denton are gearing up to celebrate Día de los Muertos, honoring the cherished Mexican tradition of celebrating and remembering loved ones who have passed away.
The Latino Cultural Center (LCC) in Dallas will host its Twenty-First Annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s event will host craft workshops in partnership with Las Semillitas Book Club, dance performances by Alegre Ballet Folklorico, Aztec dancers from Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli, and live music by Mariachi Estampas de Mexico.
Attendees can also explore a vendor market curated by Common Hearts, featuring local artists. A highlight of the festival will be the creation of altars, traditional Mexican altars honoring departed loved ones, which will be displayed in the LCC galleries from October until November 8.
As the sun sets, patrons can enjoy a free performance by Ballet Nepantla. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served.
According to a city press release, all activities at the Dallas celebration are free and open to the public.
Meanwhile, Denton’s ‘Day of the Dead Festival’ will occur on Friday and Saturday, November 1-2, with festivities from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The celebration will feature a variety of events, including “Coffin Races,” live music on three different stages, and a pumpkin patch on site.
Kicking off the festivities in Denton is the Friday Pinebox Derby at the UNT CoLab.
The evening will also see the opening of Cirque du Horror, a family-friendly Halloween musical that has become a Denton tradition. This event will run throughout the weekend, with various showtimes.
On Saturday, festivalgoers can enjoy games, food vendors, and the Twilight Lantern & Costume Parade. Admission to the Denton festival is free, though tickets are required for the Cirque du Horror show.
For more information about the Dallas Día de los Muertos celebration, visit the Latino Cultural Center’s website. Check out the official Denton Day of The Dead Festival website for further details on Denton’s festival.