Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in El Paso
We are still a few weeks away from Halloween, but as October comes to a close many El Pasoans are preparing to celebrate one of the most meaningful cultural traditions in Mexican and Mexican American communities: Día de los Muertos.
Also known as Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos is a celebration dedicated to remembering loved ones who have died. Traditionally observed on November 1 and 2, the holiday brings families together to honor the lives, stories and legacies of those who are no longer here.
In El Paso, Día de los Muertos carries special significance because of the city's deep Mexican and Mexican American roots. The holiday gives families the chance to share traditions and introduce younger family members to the stories of those who came before them. *I’m not crying, you are!!*
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Día de los Muertos events in El Paso
From colorful altars and cultural performances to a downtown festival and a special cemetery celebration, El Paso has several opportunities to honor Día de los Muertos this fall. Here’s where to celebrate this weekend and Halloween weekend.
Saturday, October 24: Día de los Muertos Desfile & Festival
One of the biggest celebrations of the season returns to Downtown El Paso for its ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile & Festival. The free, family-friendly event celebrates life and remembrance through cultural activities, colorful altars, exhibits, local vendors, food and live performances.
The parade is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will feature approximately 60 entries, including floats, performers and local organizations. Visitors can spend the day exploring the Downtown Arts District and experiencing the traditions that make Día de los Muertos such an important part of the region's cultural identity.
- When: Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Parade: 4 p.m.
- Where: Downtown El Paso Arts District
- Admission: Free
More information: Visit El Paso's event listing
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October 23–24: Día de los Muertos celebrations at the Downtown Visitor Information Center
The Downtown Visitor Information Center and Pedestrian Pathway are hosting a special three-weekend Día de los Muertos celebration featuring colorful displays, entertainment, food, local vendors and tributes to the people who have left a lasting impact on our lives.
The October 23–24 weekend focuses on celebrating the legacies of stars, artists, entertainers and cultural icons who shaped generations. It's another opportunity to enjoy the holiday's artistic and cultural traditions in the heart of Downtown El Paso.
- When: Friday, October 23, 5–9 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, 2–10 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Visitor Information Center and Pedestrian Pathway, 1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso
- Admission: Free
More information: Visit El Paso's Día de los Muertos celebration
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Friday, October 30–Sunday, November 1: Día de los Muertos at the Downtown Visitor Information Center
The final weekend of Visit El Paso's Día de los Muertos celebration focuses on the people closest to our hearts. Under the theme Siempre con Nosotros, meaning “Always with Us,” the gathering invites families and friends to honor loved ones who have passed away while celebrating the memories and traditions that keep them close.
Expect a community-centered atmosphere with entertainment, food, local vendors and activities inspired by remembrance and cultural heritage.
- When: Friday, October 30, 5–9 p.m.; Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, November 1, 2–7 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Visitor Information Center and Pedestrian Pathway, 1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso
- Admission: Free
More information: Visit El Paso
Saturday, October 31: El Paso High School's Día de los Muertos Festival
Families looking for a celebration that combines culture, creativity and Halloween fun can head to El Paso High School for its 14th annual Día de los Muertos Festival.
Hosted by the school's Dual Language Magnet Program and Spanish Language Department, the event will feature student art exhibits, folklórico performances, live music, a Catrina and costume contest, trunk-or-treat activities, local vendors, food and prizes.
It's an opportunity for students and families to celebrate Mexican cultural traditions while enjoying a festive Halloween outing.
- When: Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Where: El Paso High School, 800 E. Schuster Ave., El Paso
- Admission: Free
More information: Visit El Paso's event listing
Saturday, October 31: Inaugural Día de los Muertos 5K
Want to celebrate while getting some exercise? The inaugural Día de los Muertos 5K invites participants to run or walk in honor of loved ones who have passed away.
Organizers describe the event as a family-friendly way to combine movement, community and remembrance. The race is scheduled ahead of the 41st annual KLAQ Halloween Parade, making it a potential addition to a full day of Halloween weekend activities.
- When: Saturday, October 31, starting at 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Eastwood (Album) Park, 3110 Parkwood St., El Paso
- Packet pickup: Friday, October 30, from 4–8 p.m. at Chapoteo Water Park
Registration and additional details: Día de los Muertos 5K
Sunday, November 1: Día de los Muertos Festival in San Elizario
The celebrations continue into November in historic San Elizario, where a community festival will bring together music, art, food and cultural traditions.
The gathering at Los Portales Museum offers another opportunity to celebrate Día de los Muertos in a historic setting while supporting local culture and enjoying an evening with family and friends.
- When: Sunday, November 1, 5–8 p.m.
- Where: Los Portales Museum, San Elizario, Texas
- Admission: Listed as free
More information: Visit El Paso's event calendar
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Monday, November 2: Evergreen Cemetery East's annual Día de los Muertos celebration
For those who want to observe Día de los Muertos on its traditional final day, Evergreen Cemetery East will host its annual community celebration. The event began in 2017 and draws approximately 2,000 to 3,000 attendees each year.
The evening will feature live music from Darlene & Armando and Ricki Mena, Danza Guadalupana, folklórico performances, lotería, face painting, raffles, a vendor market and food trucks.
A community altar will provide a special place to remember loved ones, and attendees are encouraged to bring a photograph of someone they wish to honor. An open-air Mass led by Father Mark Salas, accompanied by Mariachi Alba de Mexico, is scheduled for 7 p.m.
- When: Monday, November 2, 4–8 p.m.
- Mass: 7 p.m.
- Where: Evergreen Cemetery East, 12400 Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79938
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Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Brandon Thomas/ Dead Battery Co.