Hold onto those Halloween skulls for a little bit longer, because there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Día de los Muertos over the next two days. Día de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a unique holiday from Latin America that commemorates the lives of dearly departed family members with joyous celebrations. With origins dating back thousands of years, this holiday is steeped in rich traditions including altar blessings, ceremonial offerings and parties that feature live music, elaborate costumes and more. The tradition originally began as a celebration to give thanks for a bountiful crop season, along with honoring loved ones who have passed. During the celebration, ofrendas, or offerings, are displayed at the altar. This usually includes candles, photos of the family members who’ve passed, crucifix, images of saints and flowers. Salt and water is also a vital part of the ofrendas, as it’s said to quench the thirst of the souls coming back to visit. Día de los Muertos above all, is a means of connecting the living with the dead and feeling their presence once again. Many who celebrate the holiday feel reunited with their lost loved ones.
“Two years ago, my sister Rosemary and I created an altar at the Latino Cultural Center to honor our parents. Because our dad died very early in our lives and our mom died just as we were starting our own families, creating this tribute to them seemed like we were connecting with them again and in a way, we did,” explains Alberto Valtierra, Board Member and former President of the Dallas Mexican American Historical League (DMAHL).
The costumes and elaborate calavera, or skull, makeup also plays an important role in the celebration—it is said ward off los espíritus de los muertos, the dead spirits, tricking them into thinking they’re already dead. Like all Latino festivities, food is a huge part of the celebration. Traditional Latin cuisine like tamales, enchiladas, chayotes rellenos and the pan de los muertos (a flatbread shaped into a skull and cross) is customary. A toy skeleton is placed inside the baked bread, and it’s said that whoever gets the piece with the calavera will have good luck. And, contrary to what some might think, Día de los Muertos has absolutely no connection to Halloween—besides conveniently falling on November 1-2, coinciding with All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Experience the Hispanic tradition for yourself at these five local events in North Texas, and introduce your kids to cultural celebrations of our neighbors to the south.
Día de los Muertos at Bedford Public Library
Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford; 817/952-2350
Thursday, Nov. 1, 1-8PM
Bedford Public Library hosts an all-day celebration for kids and teens alike. Drop by the Storytime Theater at 2PM or 6PM for screenings of Coco, or join in on crafts sessions to learn how to make Day of the Dead symbols including sweet skulls like calacas and calaveras, and more.
Free admission.
RITUALÉ: A Day of the Dead Celebration
Bishop Arts Theatre, 215 S. Tyler St., Dallas; 214/948-0716
Thursday, Nov. 1, 8-10PM
Friday, Nov. 2, 8-10PM
Bishop Arts Theatre blends performance and ritual at their multi-day Día de los Muertos event, hosted together with Teatro Flor Candela. Join the festivities to build altars in honor of the deceased and bestow gifts upon the graves. This event is a hands-on way to explore the customs and traditions of this holiday.
$10-15 admission.
The Hughes Family Tribute Center’s Día de los Muertos Fiesta
Crown Hill Memorial Park, 9700 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas; 214/350-9951
Friday, Nov. 2, 5-9pm
Local family-owned funeral home, The Hughes Family Tribute Center, hosts its fourth annual fiesta in the historic Bachman Lake-area cemetery. Crown Hill is home to the famous gangster Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie & Clyde), but be sure to wander through the many other Art Deco mausoleums. Live performances include Tharpo the Clown and stilt walkers, and the fiesta will also include altar building, costume contest and a screening of Coco.
Free admission.
Artes de la Rosa’s Día de los Muertos Festival
Rose Marine Theater Plaza, 1440 N. Main St., Fort Worth; 817/624-8333
Friday, Nov. 2, 6-9:30PM
Saturday, Nov. 3, 5:30-10PM
Join Artes de la Rosa for a two-day festival in celebration of All Souls & All Saints Day. The fest kicks off with a drum and puppet procession from Marine Park to the main shindig at Artes de la Rosa’s Rose Marine Theater Plaza. Friday features live performances and a screening of the Disney Pixar movie, Coco. Swing by on Saturday for more live music, short films, plus food, face painting and arts & crafts.
Free admission.
Día de los Muertos at Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth; 817/255-9300
Exhibition ongoing
Throughout November, the Omni Theater will screen Disney Pixar’s Coco, but Spanish-speaking families will love the special Spanish screening on Sunday, Nov. 4. The museum’s Innovations West Gallery gives visitors the chance to walk through the traditions of All Saints Day and All Souls Day with a variety of crafts and activities in Innovation Studios.
