Dia de los Muertos Festival

MECA invites YOU to join our annual Día De Los Muertos Festival: Honoring our Past, Celebrating Our Future. A traditional Latin American holiday, Día de los Muertos honors and celebrates the lives of family and friends who have gone before us. Different countries have their own unique Día de los Muertos traditions. However, the common beliefs of the two-day celebration—traditionally held November 1 and 2, and coinciding with the Christian All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day—are that the dead return home, visit loved ones, and feast on their favorite foods. A playful mockery of death and a reaffirmation of life are demonstrated through music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. Our two-day celebration features: * two-stage live performance showcase reflective of Houston’s diverse communities, including the best local and regional musicians and dancers, as well as MECA’s own ballet folklórico students; * exhibition of ofrendas (altars) by community members, local artists, and activists guest curated by Diana Muñiz (on display from October 10 to November 18); * children’s area with performances and attractions for ALL ages, including customary face-painting. You will also be able to taste favorite Texan and Latin American delicacies and enjoy handpicked selection of booths by Latinx and Latin-American artisans and artists. MECA’s Día de los Muertos Festival: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future is held at our colorful, art-filled campus located at the nationally recognized historic Dow School in Houston’s Old Sixth Ward—the historic part of Washington Avenue Cultural District. Our Festival is truly a community cultural event, celebrating our ancestors and Latin American traditions. Everybody is invited to join us to learn how various cultures in Latin America commemorate and honor their departed, and connect those customs to their own cultural heritage and traditions. MECA’s Festival is FREE and open to the public, and will delight everyone, regardless of age. Our new addition to the Festival this year is a community health fair that will provide vital resources to anyone in need at no cost. Children’s and flu immunizations; blood pressure, glucose, and vision screenings; hepatitis C and HIV testing; and nutrition education for kids will be available. Please visit our website to learn about additional events AROUND the Festival: a special ticketed costume party Calavera Rendezvous, featuring Día de los Muertos fashion show (October 21, 7–11 pm) and Día de los Muertos Fun Run (October 30, 8 am).