Dia de Los Muertos Houston – Celebrate Life and Love!
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and meaningful holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. While it might seem like a somber occasion, it’s actually a joyous celebration of life and a way to honor loved ones who have passed away. Thanks to Houston’s thriving Latin communities we also get to appreciate and celebrate with our families!
The holiday takes place on November 1st and 2nd each year. On the first day, known as Día de los Inocentes, families remember deceased children. The second day, Día de los Muertos, is a dedication to honoring adults who have passed.
One of the most iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos is the sugar skull, or calaverita de azúcar. Accordingly, people often decorate these colorful and intricate skulls with glitter, feathers, and other adornments. They represent the cycle of life and death, and are a reminder that death is a natural part of life.
Another important element of the celebration is the ofrenda, or altar. Families create these altars in their homes to welcome the spirits of their loved ones. Ofrendas are typically decorated with photographs of the deceased, as well as their favorite foods, drinks, and personal belongings. Moreover, marigolds, or cempasúchil, are also commonly decorations on ofrendas, as their vibrant color and strong scent are believed to guide the spirits back to their loved ones.
On the other hand, on Día de los Muertos, families and friends gather to share stories, laughter, and delicious food. They share traditional dishes like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and tamales, during the celebration. Music and dance are also important parts of the festivities, with mariachi bands and folk dancers performing throughout the day and night.
Día de los Muertos is a beautiful and unique cultural tradition for generations to share. It’s a time to reflect on the lives of loved ones who have passed away, and to celebrate the enduring bonds of family and community.
In recent years, Día de los Muertos is gaining popularity in Houston as we are drawn to the holiday’s vibrant colors, festive atmosphere, meaningful traditions, opportunity to connect with loved ones, both living and deceased.
Houston Area Dia de los Muertos events
- 10/19 Sugar Land Town Square Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
- 10/19 Marigolds and Monarchs at Día de los Muertos Celebration at Houston Botanic Garden
- 10/22 Frida’s Fiesta at Miller Outdoor Theatre (Museum District)
- 10/26 Galveston Dia De Los Muertos Fall Fiesta
- 10/27 Day of the Dead Celebration at Kemah Boardwalk
- 11/01 Calavera con Calavera at Miller Outdoor Theatre (Museum District) – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
- 11/01 Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Dow Park (Deer Park)
- 11/01 Día de los Muertos at Discovery Green (Downtown)
- 11/01 Día de Los Muertos Family Movie Night: CoCo & Community Ofrenda Unveiling at Trebly Park (Downtown)
- 11/02 Dia de los Muertos, Museum Family Day and Artisan Market at Pearl Fincher MFA (NW Houston)
- 11/02 Dia De Los Muertos Lucha Libre at Karbach Brewing (NW Houston)
Be sure to check out our complete Guide to Fall in Houston as well as start planning for all the activities in Houston this winter!
