Entering its 16th year, the Coastal Bend community is excited to participate in the Dia de los Muertos Festival to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and South Texas. The festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 28 from 3 p.m. to midnight all around Chaparral, Starr, Mesquite, Taylor and Peoples Streets.
Dia de los Muertos translates to “Day of the Dead” and is a traditional Mexican Holiday meant to honor, remember and celebrate those who have passed on. Despite the solemn nature of this holiday, it pays tribute to ancestors in beautiful and joyous ways, honoring their legacies with ofrenda displays and artistic celebrations alike.
The festival originated in Corpus Christi in 2008 when KSpace Contemporary and Axis Tattoo decided to throw a block party to celebrate. Since then, it has taken over downtown with three stages for Latin-influenced music, Mariachis, Ballet Folklorico, a Hecho a Mano Art Expo, a Kids Corner with putt putt golf, 25 food and drink vendors, face painting and more.
The VIP experience will continue this year to include exclusive access to the 21+ VIP party and private patio with a great view of the main stage, three complimentary drink tickets (margaritas, wine and beer), indoor, clean, air-conditioned, VIP-only bathrooms, dinner catered by El Taquero Guero (5-9 p.m.), a K Space membership for one year and a festival swag bag.
Dia de los Muertos Festival has become one of Corpus Christi’s most popular events. It has been nationally recognized as a top Dia de los Muertos Celebration both in the United States and Texas and voted Best Festival in The Local’s List peoples’ choice awards eight years running (2016-2023).
Dia de los Muertos has partnered with K Space Contemporary to host its youth art exhibition and competition Extravagancia de Piñatas, where local teachers were awarded an allowance to create a Dia de los Muertos origin story themed piñata with their kids. The exhibition will be on display at the festival with public voting in person and on Facebook through Nov. 8. The winners will be awarded a cash prize for school supplies.
Perhaps one of the most special and anticipated features of the festival is the return of the community ofrenda at La Stanza. The festival has been collecting items from businesses, families, individuals, youth, K-12 school groups and non-profit organizations to create a large-scale display for the community to honor, remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. The items on the altars help to lead their spirits home for the Days of the Dead.
The festival will be a jam-packed day filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy. For VIP ticket purchases, a map of the festival and a full lineup of artists, visit the website. You won’t want to miss the return of this special celebration.
