El Paso Celebrates Dia Los Muertos in Grand, Ghostly Style

El Paso’s closest neighbors are just across the Mexican border in Juarez. With its strong Hispanic and Latino heritage, it’s not surprising that El Paso goes all out to celebrate Dia Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Nearly everyone in the sixth-largest city in Texas turns out to watch colorful parades and take part in special events on November 2.

A city of diverse cultures, El Paso is also one of the oldest cities in Texas. The first bridge crossing the Rio Grande at El Paso del Norte was built over 250 years ago. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission of El Paso del Norte, established in 1659, helped the village of El Paso del Norte grow. And years before American Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving, early Spanish explorer Don Juan de Onate held Thanksgiving Mass in 1598.

Photo: Courtesy MCAD

The Downtown Arts District celebrates Dia Los Muertes from 2-9 p.m. November 2. Free hands-on activities, music, and artisan vendors will be located throughout the Arts District. Colectivo Ultima Hora, a renowned artist collective from Mexico City, adds color and splendor to the event. The highlight of the day is the Desfile de Alebrijes Parade, followed by evening concerts in the Arts Festival Plaza.

Dia Los Muertos activities are presented by the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the Downtown Art and Farmers Market, and the Mexican American Cultural Center.

Concordia Cemetery Observes Dia Los Muertos