Visit these vibrant festivals where families honor their ancestors.

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a lively celebration of life that dates back nearly 3,000 years to the Aztecs. Traditionally held in November, this important cultural Mexican holiday honors the dead by welcoming their spiritual return to their loved ones.

Across the Lone Star State, cities go all out with parades, food, music, art and festivities — all worth making plans to experience!

San Angelo

The city of San Angelo, located about three hours Northwest of San Antonio, also celebrates Día de los Muertos Festivities where visitors can enjoy a fun run, a car show, floral ofrendas, paper flower making workshops, crafts, and an art exhibition.

San Antonio

Día de los Muertos in San Antonio is known as the grandest Day of the Dead celebration in the entire country, and for good reason. Throughout the celebration (dates vary each year), the entire city comes to life with Latin heritage and cultural traditions.

The Day of the Dead River San Antonio Parade lights up the night as stunningly crafted barges float along the River Walk. Each barge represents something of historical or cultural importance for Day of the Dead, giving onlookers a visual dive into the history of the holiday.

Nearby, La Villita — an artisan village listed on the National Register of Historic Places — hosts workshops, while the Día de los Muertos celebrations continue at Historic Market Square as well as at Hemisfair, which offers a free outdoor festival featuring mariachi bands, dances and other spirited activities, festive artwork, and processions for the whole family.

Houston

Houston’s Día de los Muertos Festival also combines art, community, and culture with activities for the whole family, including children’s art classes, an ofrenda exhibition, and artist vendors, festive foods, and performances.

Corpus Christi

The Día de los Muertos Street Festival in downtown Corpus Christi brings the heritage of South Texas and Mexico to center stage with music, culture, and a tribute to the traditions of centuries past. Find entertainment all day long with multiple stages of live music, from Latin-influenced rock to dance performances by Ballet Folklorico and other troupes. Art and food vendors line the streets, and around each corner you’ll find happenings worth stopping to enjoy. A juried Hecho-a-Mano Art Expo features handcrafted Día de los Muertos jewelry, crafts, and fine arts from more than 80 vendors, along with artisan demonstrations. A youth art exhibition and piñata contest are also offered.

An anchor of the festival, the Walk of Remembrance Ofrenda Display at the Ritz Theater, gives patrons an opportunity to view and pay respects at ofrendas created by community members, including one placed at center stage to honor Coastal Bend residents who have passed. This special celebration brings life to Corpus Christi in more ways than one!

Fort Worth

Day of the Dead Celebrations continue on to Fort Worth as well with Sugar skull face painting competitions, parades, and ofrendas take over the Historic Stockyards, Sundance Square, and the Cultural District for a weekend of multicultural community fun.

Austin

For more than 40 years, the Viva La Vida Festival and Parade has delighted Austin with a vibrant festival that honors the connection between life and death. In typical Austin fashion, the parade is a cornucopia of all things Día de los Muertos: time-honored traditions and contemporary celebrations. Get there early to find a great spot to view the procession and enjoy traditional Mexican dancers, floating ofrendas, elaborate costumes, and so much more.

After the parade, the festival continues throughout the day. Create your own marigold flower crown or decorate paper sugar skulls, then enjoy live music and dancers, and peruse the Muertos Mercado, featuring artisans showcasing Día de los Muertos crafts.