Mariachis and Remembrances at Day of the Dead Celebration

By Megan Dolan

Photography By Megan Dolan

Reporting Texas

Dia de los Muertos is a three-day celebration that originated in Mexico and is centered around honoring one’s dead ancestors. It’s a famous holiday in Mexico, but is also celebrated in some Central and South American countries, and in Hispanic communities across the United States.

Although the celebration traditionally takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, there was an early event on Oct. 25 at the A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center in East Austin. Other celebrations in Austin and elsewhere in Central Texas were held on the traditional dates.

The event was joyous, not somber. Adults and children alike had their faces painted to look like skulls, with elaborate and colorful designs. There was grilled corn eating and coloring for the children, as well as the traditional building of altars to honor the dead, mariachi bands and other performers. Vendors provided staples of Day of the Dead celebrations such as sugar skulls and pan de muerto, or bread of the dead.