Central Texas’ largest Dia de los Muertos celebration returns for its third annual parade & festival Oct. 28, 2023

WACO, TX September 13, 2023 – Join in the celebration of life at Waco’s largest Dia de los Muertos Parade and Festival in Indian Spring Park on Oct. 28, 2023 from 4-10 p.m. on Oct 28, 2023. 

Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a Mexican and Latin American holiday that pays tribute to departed loved ones and allows us to reflect on the journey of our own lives. 

“We are really excited to be celebrating Dia de los Muertos alongside the community once again,” Eric Linares, project manager at Creative Waco, said. “This is such a beautiful opportunity to honor Hispanic and Latin American culture in the heart of Waco, along the same route of what was once a vibrant Hispanic community.” 

The parade route will be along University Parks Dr. from Indian Spring Middle School ending at Indian Spring Park. There will be up to a $500 cash prize for the various categories. The parade floats and participants will showcase the colors and vibrancy of Hispanic culture and Day of the Dead traditions. This year the parade is adding an “Alebrije” (translated to “spirit animal”) section that allows pets to join in the festivities through being dressed in Alebrije-inspired costumes. 

After the parade, the festival will be open from 5-10 p.m. in Indian Spring Park. There will be a variety of activities such as viewing local art, food trucks, traditional Folkorico dancers, musical performances, and an artisan vendor market. 

“Dia de los Muertos is a vibrant way to honor those who have passed by relishing the things they loved during life – music, art, fashion, food and family,” says Fiona Bond, CEO of Creative Waco. “It’s a reminder that we honor what is loved and lost by savoring life with gratitude.” 

Registration is open throughout September 30 for early bird registration for vendors, parade participants and sponsors and closes in mid October. Last year’s event brought 5,000 people to Indian Spring Park and featured over 40 parade participants from across the community and featured 20+ local businesses in the vendor market.

The entire Central Texas community is invited to join in the celebrations and honor loved ones in their families that have passed. This event is free to attend and encourages the community to dress up and get into the spirit of the holiday.

The 2023 Dia de los Muertos Parade & Festival is presented by Creative Waco and TFNB Your Bank for Life. To learn more, visit Dia de los Muertos Waco’s Instagram or Facebook. You can also register to be a sponsor or vendor on Creative Waco’s website. 

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