garlandtx.gov
Life, death, love and culture. Did we miss anything? You can celebrate them all at the
Dallas Dia de los Muertos celebration from 4-11 p.m at City Hall Plaza Oct. 26. That’s not your only DARTable chance to honor the dead. Read on for more.
The Dallas Dia de los Muertos festival has deep roots in Mexican culture, having been observed for, oh, about 3,000 years or so. But it’s Dallas’ first major “Day of the Dead” event. The parade makes its way from the plaza through downtown from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy live music, fireworks and food. Checking out all the creative costumes and face-painting is part of the fun, and you’re encouraged to join in the pageantry. All attendees are welcome to participate in the parade. Ride any DART Rail line to Akard Station and walk about 6 minutes south.
That’s not your only DARTable opportunity to honor the dead. On Nov. 1-2, the
Faceless Art Show happens at VNYL in in Plano. Nearly a dozen local artists will be on hand plying their Day of the Dead-themed art. There will also be sugar skulls, ofrendas and other things appropriate to the occasion. Note that the venue is a nightclub and it’s strictly 21 and up. You’ll find it at 5800 Legacy Drive. You can get there on DART Bus Route 452. The event starts at 8 p.m.
On Nov. 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., hit the Downtown Garland Square for a free
Dia de los Muertos celebration from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There will be dance performances by Los Matachines and Ballet Folklorico, as well as mariachi music. Add food, crafts vendors, an art show and bounce houses, and you have a great Day of the Dead celebration for the whole family. The square is about a 4-minute walk from Downtown Garland Station on the Blue Line.
Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival also is a family-friendly affair, and its theme includes fall harvest and Halloween. Dia de Los Muertos is the main focus, though – there’s even a popular event called the coffin races. The all-day celebration happens Oct. 26 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Get there by catching the Green Line to Trinity Mills Station and transferring to DCTA’s A-train. That’ll take you to the Downtown Denton Transit Center. The festival is at E. Hickory and Industrial streets, only one block away.