In recent decades, the cultural phenomenon of Día de Los Muertos has captivated audiences across America. 

It’s a day of remembrance and celebration, bridging the living and the dead, the grief of loss and the joy of life. It’s a day that unites all cultures, reminding us that in the hereafter, we are all the same: Dead and Loved. Proving to be more than a passing fad, Texas has become a prime location for Día de Los Muertos celebrations, often hosting some of the nation’s biggest spectacles. From North Texas to the South, the Lone Star State comes alive with the colors, flavors, and songs of Día de Los Muertos.

DALLAS-FORT WORTH

Toro Toro Fort Worth

From October 6 through November 3, the acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval concept has developed an exclusive three-course menu inspired by memory, life and flavor. Highlights include Luz de Mar Tiradito with salmon, sea bass, saffron aguachile and marigold; achiote-braised Fuego de Sol Short Rib; and Amanecer Pumpkin Brûlée with salted caramel ice cream and pepita brittle. Seasonal drinks include the Saffron Sour, altar-inspired Punch Calavera and a boldly red Sangria that invokes the spirit of Día de Los Muertos. Reservations are available online.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Día de Los Muertos descends upon the DSO for one night on Friday, October 30, with an annual concert led by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. The evening pairs haunting orchestral music with lively performances by Mariachi Los Unicos, Mariachi Lone Star, Mariachi Pegaso, Las Estrellas de Tejas Ballet Folklórico, and Booker T. Washington High School Ballet Folklórico. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring an offering for the ofrenda, or alter for lost loved ones, and enjoy pan de muerto and hot chocolate in their honor.

Other Dallas events include the Día de Los Muertos Festival at the Latino Cultural Center and the 7th Annual Dallas Día de Muertos Parade & Festival. Those creating an ofrenda at home can also visit one of nine El Rio Grande locations across DFW for traditional pan de muerto, the soft, sweet Mexican bread enjoyed in remembrance of loved ones on November 1 and 2.

SAN ANTONIO

The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

Down the famed River Walk and surrounding neighborhoods, dazzling parades light the sky for Día de Los Muertos, making San Antonio one of the nation’s largest celebrations. Blessed with the best seat in the city, The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio hosts a Day of the Dead River Parade Celebration on October 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. Festivities include stilt walkers, a live DJ, sugar-skull face painting, and premium parade seating along the River Walk. Four packages are available, including the Calavera Celebration Reception, a four-course VIP Zocca Patio Experience and the Afterlife VIP Room Experience with accommodations, dinner, drinks, prime viewing and valet parking.

Hotel Contessa

At the heart of San Antonio’s Día de Los Muertos celebrations is Hotel Contessa, the unofficial headquarters for Día de Los Muertos festivities, blending luxury with local culture. Programming includes Day of the Dead cocktails at Ambler, a headpiece workshop on October 2, a Muertos Market with Que Retro Arts on October 17 and a River Parade watch party on October 23.

Hotel Valencia, Riverwalk

Featuring one of the best terraces in the city, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk transforms its scenic   Riverwalk overlook into a Día de Los Muertos party on Friday, October 23, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The celebration features food, face painting, DJ entertainment and complimentary tastings of Del Maguey Mezcal and Altos Tequila. Guests can reserve online.

Tenfold Rooftop

Spirits rise at the Kimpton Santo San Antonio Riverwalk, where an elevated Spirits of the Night experience beckons all to scale the local favorite Tenfold Rooftop for an enchanting event. Drop in on Thursday, October 22, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. for a free party with a live DJ, flash tattoos by @WildOkraTattoo, and autumn cocktails such as the tequila-based Midnight Harvest and blackberry Black Magic Mojito. Guests can reserve a spot online.

Across the street, Corinne San Antonio at the Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa hosts a Remembrance Brunch on October 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Día de Los Muertos-inspired gathering includes a Latin guitarist, face painting, a doughnut decorating station and a marigold flower bar; reservations are encouraged. Other San Antonio DDLM specials include La Panadería, where each of their locations in Broadway, Downtown, La Cantera Heights, Midtown, and Stone Oak locations hosts altars where guests can share photos of loved ones. Calavera are displayed throughout October, while handmade pan de muerto—in pink, white and Totomoxtle black varieties—will be available for preorder beginning October 13 in mini and family-size packages.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Island Muzicians Run 5K/10K

Venture down to the tip of the Texas coast for a Día de Los Muertos event that blends cultural music with fitness. The South Padre Island Muzicians Run 5K/10K features live mariachi performances approximately every half-mile, ensuring runners and walkers of all levels are serenaded along each step. Afterwards, celebrate with tacos, beer, margaritas, commemorative swag, and a lively Mariachi After Party at the finish line. Register online.

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Cover photo courtesy Hotel Contessa.

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.