Honor those no longer with us at ofrendas, celebrations, performances and festivals for 2021 Día de Muertos events around Houston.
Day of the Dead, a Latin American tradition that originated in Mexico, is a time that families take to remember their loved ones that have passed, creating ofrendas, or altars, in their honor that are decorated by the person’s favorite foods, drinks, photos and memorabilia to encourage the spirits to visit.
We’ve gathered just some of the 2021 Día de los Muertos events taking place around the city, honoring the tradition and paying respect to the dearly departed.
2021 Día de los Muertos Events in Houston
Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Week | Week of Monday, November 1, 2021
- Día de los Muertos Community Altar at Discovery Green | Monday, November 1 | FREE – In celebration of Day of the Dead, the Downtown park will host a community altar by Houston artist Angel Quesada, where visitors are invited to participate by bringing copies of photos or mementos of loved ones to leave at the altar (note that these items will not be returned). This will also take place alongside Celebración de Vida, an installation of 10 large-scale painted skulls that can be found throughout the park. The skulls will be on display through Sunday, November 7. The community altar takes place from 4pm to 9pm.
- Candlelight Open Air Día de los Muertos at Hughes Manor | Monday, November 1 – On Washington Avenue, the Listeso String Quartet sets up among a field of candlelight to perform a variety of songs, from themes to popular films and television shows to works from Mexican composers and popular regional songs. Tickets are $50. 6pm.
- Día de los Muertos at Children’s Museum Houston | Saturday, November 6 – The Museum District spot transforms into a colorful Land of the Dead, with mariachi, sugar skulls and marigold garlands, a performance from Intempo Dance Ensemble, an artist workshop, and a CoCo-inspired Day of the Dead celebration. Included with general admission; $12 for ages 1 and up; free for ages under 1. 10am to 4pm.
- Día de los Muertos Festival & Parade at Sam Houston Park | Saturday, November 6 | FREE – The city of Houston hosts its first ever Día de los Muertos celebration, bringing a parade and festival through the area into Sam Houston Park where visitors can enjoy live music, delicious concessions, fun arts and crafts, and more. Sign up ahead of time to participate in the parade or swing through to enjoy the festivities. 2pm to 10pm.
- Día de Los Muertos Parade & After Party at C. Baldwin Hotel | Saturday, November 6 – The Downtown hotel hosts its first ever night parade for the Día de Los Muertos holiday, plus a festival with food, entertainment, and more. $35 for parade seating; $50 for the after party. 7pm to midnight.
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