Remembrance and Celebration: Día de los Muertos with AARP Texas

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time to reflect, remember, and rejoice in the enduring presence of loved ones who have passed. Across Texas, AARP is proud to support events and activities that honor this rich tradition through art, music, storytelling, and community connection.

Our local celebrations invite you to engage in cultural experiences that uplift Latino heritage and foster intergenerational bonds. Whether you're decorating sugar skulls, walking through vibrant art installations, or enjoying folkloric performances, these events are part of our commitment to healthy aging, lifelong learning, and meaningful social engagement.

Remembering friends and family who have passed away helps keep their spirit alive. As part of this heartfelt celebration, we invite you to enter our Día de los Muertos Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 gift card, our small gesture to support your own traditions of remembrance and togetherness. It’s easy to enter, and no purchase or membership is required. Enter by noon CT on Nov. 30, 2025. Let’s celebrate life, memory, and connection. Complete our short entry form and view the sweepstakes rules here: https://forms.office.com/r/RBYb3XhF4C

IN-PERSON EVENTS

Sugar Skull Workshop (San Antonio, TX)
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 11 a.m.
Learn the cultural significance of sugar skulls and decorate your own to take home. All supplies provided. Space is limited—register early!
Register Here: https://events.aarp.org/sat-ddm-1028

Altar-Making Workshop (San Antonio, TX)
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 11 a.m.
Discover the meaning behind traditional altars and learn how to create your own traditional altar (ofrenda) at home. As part of the experience, participants will also decorate a photo frame to take home. Bring a photo of a loved one for the Community Altar.
Register Here: https://events.aarp.org/sat-ddm-1029

Dia de los Muertos Festival (Dallas, TX)
October 29, 2025, 5:30 p.m. CT
Step into a celebration of life and remembrance at the Día de los Muertos Festival. Join us in a joyful, colorful and family-friendly atmosphere to honor loved ones who have passed. This free event features candy giveaways, interactive activities and cultural experiences that highlight the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. All ages are welcome. Bring your family, friends and your love for culture and community!
Register here: https://forms.gle/U38orvD4xjJUphVP7

Urban Paths Hispanic Art Walks (Houston, TX)
November 1, 2025, 9 a.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with purpose and movement! Join Urban Paths Houston for a unique Wellness Walk led by Laura Conely, where you’ll explore vibrant Hispanic art, culture, and history across Houston’s most iconic neighborhoods. These 1.5-hour walks are open to all paces and offer a chance to reconnect—with yourself, community, and nature.
Register Here: https://events.aarp.org/TX-1101-Walk

MECA Día de Muertos Festival – Day 1 (Houston, TX)
November 1, 2025, 11 a.m.
MECA invites you to its 25th Annual Día de Muertos Festival, a free community celebration of Latin American heritage. Sponsored by AARP Houston, this two-day event features vibrant altars, artisan vendors, children’s art activities, and live performances. Rooted in pre-Colombian and Catholic traditions, the festival honors loved ones through music, dance, and visual storytelling.
Register Here: https://events.aarp.org/TX-1101-Dow

MECA Día de Muertos Festival – Day 2 (Houston, TX)
November 2, 2025, 11 a.m.
The second day of MECA’s 25th Annual Día de Muertos Festival continues. Enjoy more performances, altars, and community art in honor of those who came before us.
Register Here: https://events.aarp.org/TX-1102-Dow

La Vida de los Muertos Celebration (San Antonio, TX)
November 2, 2025, 6:30 PM
This free outdoor dance production, presented by the Guadalupe Dance Academy and Mariachi Academy, brings to life the traditions and stories of Día de los Muertos through music and movement. The performance features characters that explain the significance of honoring loved ones who have passed, blending folkloric dance and mariachi music in a powerful tribute. Bring a lawn chair and a photo for the Community Altar!
Register Here: https://events.aarp.org/sat-ddm-111

Enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card and start your own traditions with help from AARP.

VIRTUAL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS EVENTS

AARP Texas and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico invite you to a special virtual celebration from October 20 to 27. The series brings the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life through culture, creativity and cuisine in the comfort of your home. Discover the rich history and symbolism behind the tradition, learn to create your own colorful papel picado and make a delicious Mexican chocolate drink. These events are free, virtual and interactive with registration required to participate.

Discovery Monday: The History and Symbolism of Día de Muertos
October 20, 2025, Noon to 12:15 p.m. CT
Learn about the origins, meanings and the iconic skulls that are central to this powerful celebration. Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/251884918121158

Culinary Tuesday: Mexican Hot Chocolate and Cinnamon Toast
October 21, 2025, 4 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. CT
Warm up with this sweet and cozy Día de Muertos treat you can easily make at home! Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/251884918121158

Crafty Monday: Create Your Own Marigold Papel Picado
October 21, 2025, 4 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. CT
Discover the beauty of marigolds and how to craft your own papel picado to decorate your altar. Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/251884918121158