Wanderella

Dia de los Muertos is a multi-day holiday largely focused on the remembrance of friends and family that have passed. This beautiful celebration is coming back to Garland in 2024!

Event Details:
Date: November 2nd, 2024
Time: 2p.m. – 8p.m
Location: Granville Arts Center, 300 N. 5th St., Garland, TX 75040
Price: Free!

This lively event will feature several cultural celebrations and displays including Mariachi, Ballet Folklorico, Matachines, and a Catrin/Catrina contest according to Visit Garland.

Live Entertainment
Mexico 2000
Mexico 2000 is a Folklorico dance school focused on preserving and teaching the authentic traditions of Mexico. The Directors, Alex and Mary Palencia, have trained more than 2,000 dancers in the school’s 25 years of operation. Be sure to watch as they perform dances showcasing pre-Columbian, European, Afro-Caribbean, and South American influences. Visit Mexico 2000’s website for more information on their history, dance classes, and booking performances.

The Selena Experience
Dreaming of You – The Selena Experience is a group that aims to honor the legacy and life of renowned Tejano musician and icon, Selena Quintanilla. The tribute group consists of several talented and decorated musicians with diverse backgrounds in a variety of musical genres. Honor the legacy of Selena by tuning in for their performance at the Dia de los Muertos celebration in Garland, TX. Visit the Dreaming of You – The Selena Experience’s website for more information about their history and bookings.

Ofrendas
The celebration will have altars on display at the Granville Arts Center starting Friday, October 25th. The city is encouraging individuals to bring 4×6 pictures to add to the community altars. Please ensure that photos you provide are copies as they will not be returned.

There will also be altar competition open to all GISD and International Leadership of Texas students K-12 and all teachers that live within Garland!

Altar Competition Details:
Rules
– Can be done individually or in a group
– Box dimensions 16” wide by 12” deep
– No flammable displays (battery only)
– No irreplaceable items or alcohol/cigarettes
– No incense
– Must have a description of your altar
– Must have your name, grade, school, and a phone number listed

Judging
Judging will take place prior to the event and will be based on the following:
– Traditional approach
– Written dedication and meaning
– Creativity and artistic design

Drop Off & Pick Up
Drop off at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St., from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, to Thursday, Oct. 24. 
Pickup will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, through Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Award Announcements
First, second, and third-place winners will be announced on the main stage at the Día de los Muertos Festival. Altars will be displayed for the public to view from Oct. 25 through Nov. 10 at the Granville Arts Center.

Other
The festivities will also feature a number of artisan vendors and art displays from individuals within the Garland community.

For more information about this event and others, visit Garland’s visitor website, Visit Garland.

Sources
Visit Garland: https://www.visitgarlandtx.com/dia-garland
Mexico 2000: http://www.mexico2000.net/
The Selena Experience: https://theselenatribute.com/

My goal with this blog is to make information easier to find for anyone curious about what is happening in Garland! I hope that by visiting this page and reading this post that you feel ready to celebrate Dia de los Muertos the Garland way! Do you have information that you would like included or posts you would like to see? Drop a comment! I would love to hear from you!

Happy Reading!
xo, Lila