Each year, Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates the tradition of Día de los Muertos in Austin. During Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, the city's largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event, visitors will experience a street festival and a parade down the iconic Congress Avenue, bringing together a vibrant and varied mix of traditional, contemporary and weird Austin. Learn more about how to experience this traditional fall celebration in Austin and plan your trip today.

Viva la Vida Festival & Parade

When is Viva la Vida?
Viva la Vida Festival will be held in October 2024. The festival typically runs from 12-6 PM, with the grand procession of the festival typically taking place from 12-1 PM.

What can I expect? 
Co-presented by the Austin Convention Center and City of Austin, this free and family-friendly event features hands-on art activities and demos, traditional foods, local artists, a low rider exhibition and live performances. 

About Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a storied Latin American holiday that honors those who have passed with festivals and lively celebrations. Originating with the indigenous culture of Mexico, the holiday dates back around 3,000 years. Although most prominently associated with Mexico, Día de los Muertos is a historically rich tradition observed throughout Latin America. The holiday integrates pre-Columbian and Catholic custom and is most often celebrated on November 1-2 (dates vary by region and may be longer). It is a time when friends and family gather to honor and remember loved ones through lively festivities. Día de los Muertos is rooted in pre-Columbian worldviews where death is not deemed as an end, but a transformation or continuation of life. Loved ones are commemorated through altars decorated with sugar skulls, flowers, photographs, favorite foods and memorabilia of the deceased. Family and friends share stories and memories, sing songs, and play music.

Día de los Muertos in Austin

For 39 years, the Viva la Vida celebration has been held each fall and features a grand procession and street festival in Downtown Austin. The festivities kick off with a parade traveling west on Sixth Street and culminating on the festival grounds at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue. Expect costumes, props, live music, dancers and floats, all marching down historic Sixth Street. The festival features an Education Pavilion with hands-on art activities and artist demos as well as a celebration with traditional foods, local artist and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, live music and performances throughout the day.

Find more information about Viva la Vida here, and start planning your Día de los Muertos celebration in Austin today.