Celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Latin America’s Day of the Dead at these parties and family festivals throughout Houston from Thursday, October 31 through Sunday, November 3, 2013.
- Posada the Artist and the Myth Lecture at MFAH | Thursday, October 31 – See Rafael Baraja, also know as El Fisgó, discus the origin of Mexican Posada. After the lecture, attendees can view the museum’s exhibition Calaveras Mexicanas: The Art and Influence of José Guadalupe Posada and are invited to stay to celebrate at MFAH’s weekly Thursday happy hour. Lecture and viewing lasts from 5pm to 6:30pm. Free.
- Dia de los Muertos Party at Onion Creek Café | Friday, November 1 – Enjoy Tequila, Mezcal and taco specials all night at Onion Creek Café in the Heights, with music from DJ Baohaus. Dia de los Muertos face painters will be on hand to adorn you the proper look from 6pm to 8pm. No cover.
- Dia de los Muertos Party at the Saint Arnold Brewery | Friday, November 1 – Enjoy a specially tapped cask of Saint Arnold’s seasonal Santo beer, whose label was created by Houston artist Carlos Hernandez, along with Saint Arnold’s other deadly brews. Smoked suckling pig tacos and chicken mole with pumpkin rice will be served and a Santo costume contest will recognize the most creative Dia de los Muertos or Santo-inspired costumes. Free face painting on site. 6pm to 9pm. $30 per person includes food, a glass of Santo beer and a Santo pint glass.
- La Triste Historia with the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall | Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3 – This multimedia concert experience combines the talents of renowned Mexican composer Juan Trigos, director Ben Young Mason and executive producer Duncan Copp to create a fantastical animated film and orchestral piece that tells the story of the Mexican revolution and the Day of the Dead. Friday and Saturday performances at 8pm. Sunday performance at 2:30pm. $20 to $112.
- Iluminaciónes y Calaveras: A Dia De Los Muertos Party at Avant Garden | Friday, November 1 – Enjoy a live music and festive fiesta frivolity at Avant Garden. Musicians include Traffik Jams, Stephen Farris, Darwin’s Finches, Devil Killing Moth, Josiah Gabriel, NIKKHOO, FLCON FCKER, Springfield Riots, Kosé, Gio Chamba, and Hakeem. Join in the crowd and get your face painted by Mary McCall and Elizabeth Cardena. 8pm to 2am. Free.
- Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Celebration at the National Museum of Funeral History | Friday, November 1 to Saturday, November 2 – Dig deep into the customs surrounding the Latin Day of the Dead, exploring authentic altars made by local artists, building a community altar with mementos of your own loved ones. On Friday, the museum stays open late until 8pm with a late night story time for kids, featuring costumed characters, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. On Saturday, special activities will include ceramic skull painting, dulces and other treats.
- ¡Día de los Muertos! at MFAH | Saturday, November 2 – Enjoy free admission all day to MFAH, where you can see the exhibit Calaveras Mexicanas: The Art and Influence of José Guadalupe Posada commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913), the father of Mexican printmaking. From 10am to 2pm, families can enjoy art making and other activities inspired by the Mexican art. Museum hours 10am to 7pm. Free.
- 26th Annual Día de los Muertos: Family Day Fiesta | Saturday, November 2 – Lawndale celebrates the biggest day in its 19-day Día de los Muertos art exhibit with an afternoon family fiesta. Highlights include performances by Houston Grand Opera, Mixteco Ballet Folklorico and Paedarchy Puppets. Noon to 4pm. Free.
- MECA Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Honoring our Past, Celebrating Our Future | Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 – Recognizing the differences in Latin celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, the event focuses on the common theme of honoring family and friends. Expect music, dance, theater, food and visual arts from different Latin American countries at MECA’s nationally recognized historic Dow School in the Sixth Ward.
