Celebrate Día de los Muertos Traditions and Festivities

Visit Fort Worth is excited to partner with Artes de la Rosa, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and many other organizations to celebrate this year’s Día de los Muertos. The Day of the Dead, a cherished holiday that originated in Mexico, is a time to remember and honor deceased loved ones. Through art, music, food and community gatherings, Fort Worth will come alive with the spirit and warmth of this ancient tradition.

“We are proud to partner with Arts de La Rosa, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and many more community partners to celebrate Day of the Dead,” said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “We are looking forward to honoring an age-old tradition and highlighting the rich patchwork of cultures that make up our community.”

This year, the holiday will be marked by vibrant parades, traditional ofrendas (or altars), sugar skull face painting competitions and festive events in the Historic Stockyards, Sundance Square and the Cultural District. These events foster an appreciation for the rich cultural significance behind the Day of the Dead, showcase Fort Worth’s diverse celebrations and strengthen multicultural community.

Event Highlights:

Day of the Dead Parade and Celebration – October 28, 10am 

Celebrate the 20th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration of Life and Culture in the historic Northside neighborhood. The parade will begin on North Main Street and Central Avenue and make its way north toward the Stockyards. Festivities will follow at Marine Park with local food, music, celebration and remembrances of the deceased.

Presented by Artes de la Rosa in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Latino Law Enforcement Organization and Visit Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden Marigold Carpet – Opening celebration October 28, 11:30am 

Guests will enjoy more than 46,000 marigolds that will be “rolled out” to create a showstopping “carpet” down the Rose Garden stairs. These strongly scented flowers are believed to help deceased ancestors find their way home to the ofrendas prepared for them on this special day. Through November 2.

La Catrina Fest in Sundance Square – October 28, 12-9pm, contest begins at 5pm 

The 2nd annual La Catrina Contest and Festival will take place in Sundance Square, where the most elaborate Day of the Dead makeup and costume designers will compete to win the best costume. Hosted by Sundance Square and Coleccion Mexicana.

La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth Día de los Muertos Ceremony – October 29, 1-6pm 

The Latin American shopping hub will honor Day of the Dead with a ceremony of blessings, altar decorations and songs dedicated to the deceased. The ceremony will celebrate the holiday in a fun, festive way that also honors the memory of ancestors.

Paco’s Mexican Cuisine Mercado – Sunday, October 29, 12-8pm.  

Paco’s invites the Fort Worth community to its annual Día de los Muertos Mercado to experience local cuisine and unique vendors from our community.

Day of the Dead Altar & Entertainment at Sundance Square Plaza – Wednesday, November 1 

An evening of live music and entertainment at the heart of downtown Fort Worth.

Joe T. Garcia’s Day of the Dead Celebration – Date TBD 

Celebrate Day of the Dead at the iconic Joe T. Garcia’s, with classic dishes of traditional Mexican fare, music and a festive atmosphere.

photo credit: Brian Wegman via Unsplash

Dining with the Dead at Toro Toro – Thursday, November 2, 6pm 

Toro Toro will host a culinary adventure dedicated to honoring Día de los Muertos at this ticketed event. The special menu features culinary practices that symbolize the connection between the living and the departed.

Don Artemio Special Cantina Menu – November 2-22 

The James Beard finalist will feature a special Cantina menu to commemorate the Day of the Dead.

HWNT Fort Worth Chapter’s “Hasta los Muertos Bailan!” Gala – Saturday, November 4, 7pm 

The 11th Annual gala, “Hasta Los Muertos Bailan!” (“Even the Dead Dance!”) celebrates the Day of the Dead with a cocktail social, silent auction, dinner, dancing with live music, traditional altars and Mariachi music. Hosted by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, proceeds will benefit HWNT Fort Worth Chapter’s LIP Education Program and development.

La Danza de Jaguar – September 9-November 30 

This Mexican art exhibition in papier mâché by Miguel Martin will delight visitors while paying homage to the Day of the Dead through his artistic vision.

For a full schedule and more information, visit FortWorth.com/DiaDeLosMuertos.