Dia De Los Muertos Festival

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB MACC) invites the public to its 18th annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) This beloved tradition brings family and community together to celebrate the lives of our ancestors, family, friends, and public figures. This family-friendly, alcohol-free event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Oswaldo A. B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center. We will welcome the memories of our loved ones with Day of the Dead altars, art installations, & activities that foster an appreciation for the sweetness and fragility of life. The collective outdoor ofrenda (altar) will be a gathering of memories to which the public can contribute.

Admission is free, and RSVP is not required, although we encourage you to RSVP on Facebook. Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs, strollers, and refillable water bottles. A free shuttle bus will be provided from the East Holly St. neighborhood to the Recreation Center. (Please note: the event is not at the ESB MACC building!)

Highlights of the event include:

• Outdoor stage with live music. Expect to see a great lineup of Latin music from local Austin artists! Lineup and performance times are subject to change. Gary Hobbs (1:45pm), Marca Especial (3pm), The Tiarras (3:45pm), Nova Band (5:00pm), Danza Azteca Guadalupana (5:45pm).

• Free face painting and sugar skull decorating workshops (while supplies last) conducted by the ESB MACC Education Department. Families and educators may download Day of the Dead Educational handouts/posters in English and Spanish.

•  MexAmeriCon will feature artist panels, games, and more that showcase the storytelling traditions of the Latino/a/e community through comics, art, and pop culture.

• Artisan Vendor Market supporting local Latino/a/e entrepreneurs.

• Piñata inspired large scale sculptural art installations by Las Piñatas/Latinos in Architecture (LiA) on view.

• A Community Altar (Ofrenda) that will grow larger as event attendees contribute names and notes.

• Community Resource Fair featuring local nonprofits.

• Food trucks and vendors featuring local cuisine with plenty of options from tacos to desserts.