Dallas hosts many exciting events that attract both locals and tourists. All of them aim to make life in our city more enjoyable and culturally enriching. Today, we’ll talk about one of the most original and colorful parades that gathers more than 10,000 participants and spectators — Día de los Muertos, a large-scale cultural celebration that honors the Day of the Dead and pays tribute to the memory of ancestors. Learn more about it on dallaski.com.
A Costume Parade Loved by Dallas Residents
The Día de los Muertos Parade takes place every October in downtown Dallas, near Dallas City Hall Plaza, drawing around 10,000 participants and visitors.
Participants wear elaborate masks and costumes, and the event features live music, art exhibitions, children’s activities, and various cultural attractions. The parade and festival officially begin with an opening ceremony and proceed through the main streets of downtown Dallas.
The Dallas Día de los Muertos tradition began in 2019, and it has been held annually ever since. The parade strengthens the city’s cultural identity, promotes intercultural dialogue, and serves as a vibrant gathering place for both residents and visitors.
During the event, several streets in downtown Dallas are closed to traffic, typically from 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
The Origins of the Holiday
The Día de los Muertos celebration dates back more than 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Central America, among Indigenous peoples such as the Aztecs, Maya, and Toltecs. These civilizations viewed death as a natural part of the life cycle, not as an end. According to their traditions, the souls of the deceased return each year to visit their loved ones.
The holiday is also associated with the worship of Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the underworld and death. She was often depicted with a skull on her head and a skirt made of serpents. Rituals included building altars adorned with the deceased’s favorite items, food, and drinks, as well as creating decorations made of flowers and skulls.
Over time, as centuries passed, the celebration evolved. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, elements of Catholic traditions were added, merging Indigenous customs with the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2. Despite these influences, the holiday preserved its unique identity, blending ancient rituals with Christian symbolism.
Today, Día de los Muertos is an official national holiday in Mexico and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. However, it is also widely celebrated in the United States, including in Dallas.
In modern times, Dallas celebrates Día de los Muertos over several days. It’s not just another city event—it’s one of the most vibrant and popular cultural festivals in Dallas, attracting thousands of participants and visitors each year.
The celebration begins with an official opening ceremony at Dallas City Hall Plaza, featuring art exhibitions, workshops on traditional crafts such as sugar skulls, paper flowers, and altars. The most anticipated part comes in the evening when the parade fills the streets with colorful costumes, masks, and lively mariachi music. Participants march through the city center, showcasing traditional outfits and rituals. The festivities also include numerous cultural attractions such as art displays, food markets offering Mexican cuisine, concerts, dance performances, and educational programs.