On November 7, 2021, Houston celebrated its Día de Los Muertos First Annual Festival and Night Parade. Visitors enjoyed live music, delicious food, fun and crafts, and more.
The Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Latin American tradition that originated in Mexico, where families take to remember their loved ones that have passed, creating ofrendas in their honor, which are then decorated with the person’s favorite foods, drinks, photos, and memorabilia to encourage the spirits to visit.
The historic parade and festival began at Houston City Hall from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., while the parade rolled from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting from Bagby Street and Allen Parkway, and moving all throughout Downtown Houston. Multiple floats and costumes adorned the streets of downtown Houston for this celebration, bringing to the city a beautiful celebration of family and culture.
This event marks the very first Houston Día de Los Muertos festival and parade. A host of important figures in the Houston community were tasked with bringing this important celebration to a very diverse, culture-rich Houston city. Hosts included Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Robert Gallegos, Council Member District I, City of Houston; and Jorge Franz, Senior VP of Tourism & Industry Relations at Houston First Corporation. Abraham Watkins’ Managing Partner, Benny Agosto, Jr., and his wife, Nichole Agosto had the honor to be co-sponsors of this inaugural event.
