The Day of the Dead or to Mexico and Latin Americans, Dia de los Muertos, is a yearly tradition of honoring and remembering the dead but this year, concerts and events will take place all around Dallas to celebrate the same according to a Dallas Morning News article. They say, 

 

“A long-observed tradition in Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time to remember and honor deceased loved ones. Offerings to the dead are placed on handmade altars. Marigolds and other flowers, sugar skulls and La Catrina Calavera — an elegant skull wearing a flowery hat — are common sights at Day of the Dead fests.

 

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs a concert of traditional Latin American music with guest soprano Ailyn Perez. The evening also includes family-friendly festivities including decorated altars.

 

Live entertainment features Los Matachines, Mexico 2000, and Garland ISD mariachi and folklorico groups. There will be food trucks, bounce houses and an artisan market. All are invited to bring 4-by-6-inch copies of photographs of loved ones and pets to add to the community altars at the Granville Arts

 

A celebration at the northwest Dallas cemetery includes Mayan dancers Grupo Pakal, mariachis, food vendors and face painting. In addition, the art installation “Los Espíritus del Bosque” by Ricardo Alarcón and the art exhibition “Día de los Muertos: Sabiduría y Sentido” will be on display.”

 

And of course, citizens attending the concerts and events on the Day of the Dead are delighted not only as they remember their loved ones but also as they pass their tradition to the children according to an NBC-DFW news article which reports, 

 

“It is fun to see what they’re selling and try different foods and just to see the kids with the paintings on their faces,” said Claudia Cruze.

 

For Mercedes and Luis Villanueva, it was an opportunity to help their children explore their heritage.

 

“Everyone’s used to seeing this like on Disney with Coco, right? So just the fact to not only see it on TV or hear about it but to be able to come and partake in the opportunity to see others enjoying their time out here,” said Luis Villanueva.

 

For some these traditions provided a sense of familiarity.

 

“I love that Dallas is such a melting pot now that regardless of your heritage, it’s being celebrated somewhere,” said Aubrey Garcia.

 

For its third year, the event expects 40,000 attendees for the grand parade.