The City of El Paso invites the community to celebrate life, honor loved ones and experience Mexican American culture at the annual Día de los Muertos Festival and Desfile (Parade) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 24, in Downtown.

Festival activities will take place throughout the Downtown Arts District, including the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, San Jacinto Plaza, Arts Festival Plaza, Cleveland Square Park and the Downtown Visitor Center. The free festival’s parade, presented by GECU Federal Credit Union, begins at 4 p.m.

“Whether you attend every year or are experiencing the festival for the first time, we invite you to discover something new and meaningful,” said Mexican American Cultural Center Director Rebecca Muñoz. “It’s wonderful to see our community and visitors come together to honor loved ones, celebrate our culture and experience this deeply meaningful tradition.”

Festival highlights include:

• Día de los Muertos Desfile (Parade): Approximately 60 entries to travel from City Hall to Santa Fe Street
  
• Art and cultural activities: Free, hands-on experiences hosted by the MACC and City museums
  
• Live entertainment: Performances on the Perches Main Stage at San Jacinto Plaza
  
• Artisan mercaditos: Local vendors, handmade goods and original art at San Jacinto Plaza and Cleveland Square Park
  
• Food trucks: Serving up local flavors along Main Street near San Jacinto Plaza and behind the El Paso Museum of Art
  
• Movie screenings: Macario at noon in the MACC auditorium and The Book of Life at 6 p.m. at Cleveland Square Park, alongside DJ entertainment
  
• Traditional ofrendas: Community- and artist-created altars at the MACC, along with cultural décor throughout the festival
  

Rooted in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican traditions and Catholic observances, Día de los Muertos is a time for families to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away through altars, offerings, art and celebration.

The festival is organized by the City’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and led by the Mexican American Cultural Center, with support from GECU, Perches Funeral Homes, and Telemundo El Paso 48.

City museums will be closed Sunday, October 25. For event details, activity schedules and maps, visit EPMACC.org/Dia-de-los-Muertos.