November 1 and 2 mark a celebration that many Hispanics or Latinos hold dear to their heart: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. In Harris County, the holiday is embraced with colorful festivals, community altars, parades, and performances that reflect our region’s rich cultural diversity.
los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican and Latin American tradition that honors deceased loved ones. Families create ofrendas or altars decorated with photos, candles, marigolds, food, and personal mementos to welcome the spirits of the departed back for a brief visit.
How is the holiday celebrated across cultures?
- In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is known worldwide for its colorful public altars and family gatherings in cemeteries or at home to honor the dead with marigolds, candles, and foods.
- In Guatemala, families celebrate with traditional dishes, visit cemeteries, and participate in the Giant Kite Festival.
- In Ecuador, people gather in cemeteries to share a spiced fruit drink called “” and a baby-shaped bread called “s de pan” with their deceased loved ones.
- In Brazil, Día de los Muertos (known as “finados”) includes visits to cemeteries and churches, where people light candles and offer prayers for the souls of the departed.
When is it celebrated?
The holiday is traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, and each day’s celebration is different. On the first, people honor children who have passed and on the second day, they honor adults who are no longer with them.
What are the key symbols?
- Ofrendas: Altars with offerings to honor the dead.
- Marigolds (cempsasúchil): Bright orange flowers believed to guide spirits.
- Sugar skulls (calaveras): Decorated confections symbolizing the sweetness of life.
- Pan de muerto: A sweet bread often shaped with bone-like designs.
- La Catrina: A skeletal figure in elegant dress, created by Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada, symbolizing the blending of life and death.
- Monarch butterflies: Believed to carry the souls of the departed; their migration coincides with the holiday.
- Papel picado: a traditional Mexican decorative craft made by cutting elaborate designs into sheets of tissue paper.
Where did it originate?
The celebration dates back over 2,000 years, being customary in cultures like the Aztecs, Mayas, and Toltecs, who held rituals to honor the dead. Spanish colonization later merged these celebrations with Catholic traditions.
Where can I celebrate Día de los Muertos for free in Houston?
- October 25 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Create an edible sugar skull
- All supplies are provided.
- October 31 from 5 – 6 p.m.
- Sculpt your own 3D sugar skull using foam shapes, colorful paper, and lots of fun decorations.
- All supplies are provided.
- 1900 Kane Street, Houston, TX 77007
- November 1 and 2 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Two-day celebration that includes children’s activities, ofrendas/altar exhibition, artisan vendors, festival foods, and three stages with performances from local artists.
- Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
- November 2 from 4 – 11 p.m.
- Live music, arts & crafts, food, and a vibrant procession through Sam Houston Park.
- Parade with traditional costumes begins at 7 p.m.
- 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
- November 2 from 3 – 7 p.m.
- Hands-on activities, artists’ demonstrations, and vendors
- Music by Nick Gaitan, DJ Mexican Blackbird, and Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus
- Altar/ofrenda by local artist Angel Quesada