Nicole Mlakar, a University of Texas at Austin alumna, shows her sugar skull makeup at the 36th annual Viva la Vida Parade and Festival in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 26, 2019. The event celebrates the Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Parade participants adjust their costumes as they prepare to march down Sixth Street on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Musicians serenade the crowd along the parade route on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Children line up behind the Mexico Lindo y Las Americas banner that indicates the parade category honoring “Mexican and Las Americas traditions and icons,” according to the Mexic-Arte Museum website. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Elaborate dresses and costumes entertain the crowd as marchers make their way down Sixth Street on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Combining images of death and life, performers spread their butterfly wings as they dance on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
The crowd is treated to indigenous dances by performers wearing traditional dress on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Elaborate feather headdresses adorn faces painted with sugar skull makeup on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Children react as they are pulled along the parade route on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Dancers weave a tapestry of color, as shells on their feet rattle to the beat on Oct. 26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett waves to the crowd while being pulled in his own special transport on Oct.26, 2019. Jun Yang/Reporting Texas
Photos by Jun Yang
Frida Kahlo look-alikes, Aztec dancers and marchers in sugar skull makeup paraded down Sixth Street as part of Austin’s 36th annual Viva la Vida Parade and Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. Sponsored by the Mexic-Arte Museum and the City of Austin, the event is Austin’s largest celebration of the Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Thousands were treated to music, food, art and a lowrider car exhibit.