Celebrate Día de los Muertos in North Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — Historically, in some cultures, Halloween was a day to dress up to scare away spirits. However, on Nov. 1, there are some spirits that are thought to be allowed back into the realm of the living.
WHAT IS DIA DE LOS MUERTOS?
As part of predominantly Mexican heritage, Nov. 1-2 are recognized as Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. It is believed that on these days, the spirits of loved ones can return home and spend time with the living.
THE HISTORY
The holiday is also celebrated in other countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, and Haiti. These practices are believed to have also been practiced by the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Its precedents date to over 3,000 years ago when the Olmecs and subsequent Toltecs, Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Maya, and Aztecs honored death.
As part of the celebration, families build altars in the deceased's honor. The altars vary between cultures and households in how they are decorated, and what is placed on the altar. You may find many objects decorating these altars that connect with the four elements of nature by symbolical associations.
Candles are meant to guide the souls of the dead to the altar, and incense to symbolize the journey from life to death as well as keep bad spirits away.
More common symbols of Día de los Muertos include the usage of marigold flowers and skulls. Marigolds (cempasuchil) were the symbolic flower of death for the Aztecs and were used in rituals that commemorated death. On altars, the flowers are either fresh or made with tissue paper. Calaveras (skulls) can be made of paper-mache, clay, wood, metal, or cut-out tissue paper. Often, they are made of sugar decorated with colored icing, flowers, or metallic-colored foils, and have the dead's name carved into them.
Also prominent in Día de los Muertos celebrations are images and art depicting La Calavera Catrina (the skull woman). Many people dress up as La Catrina or create large puppets for parades and celebrations.
HOW TO CELEBRATE
North Texas has its own line-up of events and celebrations for Día de los Muertos this year. Check out some of these events to learn more about the traditions and practices:
Sundance Square Day of the Dead Festival
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sundance Square Plaza
425 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
AMOC Presents Community Ofrenda
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Arts Mission Oak Cliff
410 South Windomere Ave., Dallas, TX 75208
Día de los Muertos en Fort Worth (RESCHEDULED DATE)
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts at the Rose Marine Theater
1440 N Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76164
Día de los Muertos Pachanga y Mercadito
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at 3 p.m.
Arts Mission Oak Cliff
410 South Windomere Ave., Dallas, TX 75208
HWNT-Fort Worth 10th Anniversary ¡Hasta Los Muertos Bailan! Gala
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at 6 p.m.
HWNT Fabulous Fort Worth Chapter
100 Altamesa Blvd., East Fort Worth, TX 76134