The annual Día de los Muertos festival is returning to the streets of downtown El Paso this fall and the city is promising another colorful and all-around fun afternoon that includes the popular and highly anticipated Day of the Dead parade.
This will be the 7th year the border city puts on the day-long celebration for El Pasoans to honor and commune with those who have passed on.
What is Dia de los Muertos?
Observed November 1 and 2, the Mexican observance is an important holiday for Mexican and Mexican-American families.
Contrary to the day’s name, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is more joyous than macabre. The colorful celebration honors loved ones who have passed with festively decorated alters commemorating the lives lived.
Ofrendas, or offerings, of their favorite foods and beverages are typically placed on the alter, as well as photos of the dearly departed, and memorabilia.
It’s a day that is far from a gloomy affair, and El Paso’s Day of the Dead Festival is a great example of that.