Celebrate Day of the Dead in Dallas: Top Events in 2024

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Día de Muertos: Messages of Love for the Forgotten and Disappeared

The Bath House Cultural Center will showcase art in various mediums from all over the U.S. in celebration of the 38th annual Day of the Dead exhibition. This year’s theme is “Día de Muertos: Messages of Love for the Forgotten and Disappeared.” The 38th annual exhibition invites you to honor the souls of the departed with a theme of “Día de Muertos: Messages of Love for the Forgotten and Disappeared.” The show features works by local, regional, and national artists, explicitly focusing on October 30, the day honoring those most at risk of being forgotten.

The exhibition also commemorates those who have gone missing and are presumed dead. You are encouraged to contribute to the community altar from October 12 to November 9. Contributions can include disposable images or objects, such as a photocopy of a loved one who has passed, a letter to a loved one who has passed, or non-perishable items. There will also be a writing station where you can write a love letter for the departed to contribute to the community altar.

Enjoy live music by Sones de México, stunning Day of the Dead fashion models by Enrique D’Altamirano, and engaging art activities by Kenya Diaz and the talented students from the Bath House Muralism program. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening of art, music, and creativity! October 12 to November 9, 2024, from 12 PM to 6 PM

Día de los Muertos: A GARLAND STORY (Free)

Granville Arts Center commemorates Da de los Muertos for the 7th consecutive year! This cherished tradition, which commenced in 2017 through a partnership between the City of Garland, Garland ISD, and community leaders, continues to thrive. This FREE event, dedicated to honoring our dearly departed, promises vibrant performances ranging from Mariachi music to Ballet Folklorico.

Additionally, this year’s festivities will feature “Dreaming of You: The Selena Experience,” a tribute band paying homage to the Queen of Tejano, Selena Quintanilla. Attendees can also expect food trucks, bounce houses, an Artisan Market, altar displays, and Día t-shirts available for purchase. Remember to take the DART to Downtown Garland Station. Don’t forget to ride the DART to Downtown Garland Station. November 2, 2024, from 2 PM to 8 PM

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Attend a Day of the Dead Concert

Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform an array of pieces by guest artists that highlight traditional Latin American music and culture. This vibrant Day of the Dead concert in Dallas celebrates lost loved ones with a colorful affirmation of life. To be held at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on Flora Street, Dallas, TX, this DSO’s annual tradition features traditional Latin American music and culture, a dazzling program, colorful festivities, decorated ofrendas, and fun-filled events for the whole family. October 29, 2024, at 7:30 PM

Attend a Day of the Dead Festival

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Dallas Day of the Dead Parade and Festival

The Dallas Dia de Los Muertos Parade and Festival is an all-day affair concluding with a Dallas día de los Muertos parade from 7 PM to 8 PM! The energy, the traditional foods, the live music, plus the activities and crafts will keep you entertained for hours. Traditional attire and makeup are gorgeous, and you can dress up too! The beautiful parade will kick off at Dallas City Hall Plaza, traveling through downtown Dallas. It will feature live entertainment, Catrinas, Folklorico dancers, music, floats, and intricate costumes along the parade route. October 26, 2024, from 2 PM to 8 PM

Day of the Dead Festival in Denton (Free)

The Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival at E. Hickory, E. Oak, and Industrial Streets is a multi-cultural celebration of Halloween, fall harvest, and, of course, the Day of the Dead. There will be a pumpkin patch, costume contest, performance by Cirque du Horror (Sunday, October 27), coffin races, a community altar, a Twilight Lantern Parade, local food vendors, and performances from Denton ISD schools, along with lots of day of the dead activities for the whole family members. October 25 to 27, 2024, at 5 PM

Day of the Dead Fiesta Latina in Grand Prairie (Free)

The Grand Prairie Hispanic Heritage Ambassadors DFW will be hosting a Dia de Los Muertos Fiesta at the Uptown Theater on Main Street. This family-friendly event will feature a variety of booths showcasing traditional crafts and art, your favorite foods and refreshing drinks, captivating exhibits highlighting the rich and authentic celebration of the day, and lively entertainment that will immerse you in the spirit of this beloved tradition. November 1, 2024, from 5 PM to 9 PM

Day of the Dead Festival in McKinney (Free)

Get ready to experience the vibrant celebration of the Day of the Dead in downtown McKinney. Join people from all walks of life as they gather to honor their ancestors with music, dance, and song. Bring a 4×6 photo of your loved one to place on the ofrendas and enjoy a day filled with arts, crafts, and activities for everyone. The stage on Church Street will showcase entertainers representing Hispanic heritage from various cultures, offering a true and enriching experience for all attendees. This inspiring festival will take place at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park. October 19, 2024, from 2 PM to 8 PM

Day of the Dead Festival at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth (Free)

The annual “Día de Los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” event at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth is a lively and colorful celebration that honors the memory of departed loved ones. This special event will feature touching religious blessings on elaborately adorned altars filled with offerings and heartfelt musical tributes dedicated to those who have passed on. November 3, 2024, from 1 PM to 6 PM

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Celebración de Vida y Cultura by Artes de la Rosa (Free)

Artes de la Rosa will celebrate their 21st th Annual Day of the Dead Festival with a parade (beginning at N. Main St. & Central Ave.) that will head northbound towards the Fort Worth Stockyards. The festival will take place at Marine Park, where the spirit of Day of the Dead in Dallas will come alive with music, dancing, and art. November 2, 2024, Parade 10 AM to 11:30 AM; Festival 11:30 AM to 5 PM

Las Almas Rotas Mezcaleria (Free)

This year’s day of the dead festival promises to be an extraordinary experience at the local Dallas restaurant, Las Almas Rotas Mezcaleria! You can look forward to a stellar lineup of entertainment, including a DJ, late-night live music by the talented Los Gran Reyes band, and a special pop-up appearance by Molino Oloyo Food & Beverage. If you would like to honor the memory of your past loved ones, please provide me with their pictures in advance, and I will ensure that they are remembered. November 2, 2024, from 2 PM to 1 AM

Dia de los Muertos Oak Cliff (Free)

Dia de los Muertos Oak Cliff is the 14th annual celebration of honoring and celebrating loved ones who have passed on. In partnership with CocoAndre Chocolatier and Cindy Pedraza Puente, this free event will be held at the newly inaugurated CocoAndre Chocolatier & Horchateria. Come and witness the dynamic performances of the Danzantes, who showcase traditional dances embodying the essence of Dia de los Muertos.

Stroll through a bustling market filled with local vendors, live music, and delectable food and drinks. Enjoy face painting, beautiful altar displays honoring ancestors, and much more! November 2, 2024, from 4 PM to 9 PM

Folklore & Tradition Artisan Boutique Day of the Dead Festival (Free)

Dallas Farmers Market, Folklore & Tradition Boutique, and Taqueria La Ventana come together to honour life, love, and culture. They celebrate these values through the Día de los Muertos event at Dallas Farmers Market. This event will also feature a special exhibition featuring the artworks of talented Catrina artists Miguel Martin and Dianaelizabeth Catrina. Come and experience a captivating display of artistry and creativity through stunning photographs. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering foods and refreshing beverages while being serenaded by lively music that will get you up and moving! October 19, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM

Sundance Square Catrina Contest (Free)

Coleccion Mexicana is hosting its 3rd consecutive annual Day of the Dead Catrina Contest in Sundance Square Plaza in Fort Worth. The contest will award cash rewards to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for their original Catrina costumes. Last year, the first-place winner received $5000, the second-place winner received $3000, and the third-place winner earned $1000. Cash rewards are expected to increase this year! The festivities run all day from noon to 8 PM with live music, delicious food, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. The dress contest will begin at 5 PM. October 20, 2024, from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Honor Your Loved Ones

Hughes Family Tribute Center Day of the Dead Celebration (Free)

Families traditionally visit the graves of those passed on the Day of the Dead. As a historical Dallas landmark, Crown Hill Memorial Park & Mausoleum has seen families visit the grounds for years, particularly during this time. The celebration began in 2014 with fewer than 100 participants. Over the years, it has expanded to offer creative and engaging experiences for families and the community.

The Hughes Family Tribute Center will host its 10th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebración to honour the lives of those the community has lost. The event will begin on Saturday, October 19, 2024, and end on Sunday, November 3, 2024. The free event will feature an art installation by La Ceiba: The Sacred Tree of Life by Ricardo Alarcón. It will also include Mayan dance performances by Grupo Pakal, Folklorico dancers, live mariachi, family activities, and concessions. Visit their Facebook page for timings. October 19 to November 3, 2024

Decorate Sugar Cookies

Make & Take: Decorate Sugar Cookies for Day of the Dead

The Cooking School at Central Market Fort Worth will be hosting a Make & Take class. In this fun and colorful workshop, you’ll bake skull-shaped cookies and prepare an assortment of brightly tinted icing to decorate them. You’ll learn how to use different piping tips to add colorful and intricate designs to your cookies. In the end, you’ll leave with 12 delicious and tasty cookies!

This event is open to 7 and older. For participants who are 17 years old and younger, a ticket must be purchased, and they must be accompanied by an adult who has also bought a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online for $85. November 2, 2024, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM

Where To Celebrate Day of the Dead in Dallas in 2024: FAQs

Do they celebrate Day of the Dead in Texas?

Yes, Day of the Dead is celebrated in Texas, particularly in areas with strong Mexican and Latino communities. Cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas host vibrant festivities, including altars (ofrendas), parades, cultural events, and art exhibits. The celebrations often include traditional foods, music, and dance, making it a rich and colorful expression of culture and remembrance.

Where is the biggest Day of the Dead celebration in Texas?

The biggest Day of the Dead celebration in Texas typically takes place in San Antonio. The city’s events include a large parade, cultural performances, art exhibits, and community altars, drawing thousands of attendees. The celebration often takes place in areas like Hemisfair Park and the historic Market Square. These events showcase the traditions and customs associated with this important holiday.

What happens during Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), is usually celebrated primarily in Mexico and among Mexican communities worldwide. They engage in various activities and traditions to keep their memories alive. Key elements of the celebration include:

1. Altars (Ofrendas): Families create altars at home or in cemeteries, decorating them with photos, candles, and flowers, often marigolds. They also add the departed’s favourite foods to invite their spirits back.
2. Cemetery Visits: Families often visit gravesites, cleaning and decorating them with flowers and offerings, spending time in remembrance and celebration.
3. Cultural Events: Many communities host parades, festivals, and cultural performances, including music, dance, and traditional art displays.
4. Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): Decorated sugar skulls, often personalized with names, are a popular symbol and are given as gifts.
5. Traditional Foods: Special foods like pan de muerto (a sweet bread), tamales, and other regional dishes are prepared and shared among families and friends.
6. Processions and Rituals: Many communities hold processions that may include music, dancing, and vibrant costumes, celebrating life and death together.

These elements combine to create a rich tapestry of remembrance, joy, and cultural pride during the celebration.

Where To Celebrate Day of the Dead in Dallas in 2024: Final Thoughts

Around the world, every celebration of Day of the Dead is as colorful and festive as it is important. However, after the amount of loss the world has experienced over the last few years, these festivities will continue to hold a special place in history.

Whether you want to honor the departed in quiet contemplation or with music, elaborate costumes, and numerous activities, Dallas is the place to be for the Day of the Dead in 2024.

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago ago by Jessica Serna | Published: October 19, 2024