This November 2nd, the City of Garland will come alive with the vibrant colors of marigolds, the rhythmic sounds of mariachi music, and the heartfelt tributes of families remembering their loved ones. For the seventh year, Garland will host its annual Dia de los Muertos celebration, inviting the community and beyond to participate in a rich cultural tradition that honors life, memory, and the ties that bind us across generations. Held at the Granville Arts Center, this free event offers a unique blend of music, dance, art, and community that promises an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Veronica Maldano, Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Garland, to get a deeper understanding of the event’s roots and the significance of this annual tradition. “Dia de los Muertos is a beloved celebration, not just for our Mexican-American community but for all of Latin America,” Maldano explained. “It’s more than just a holiday—it’s a time to come together as a community to honor our loved ones, share memories, and celebrate life. It started in 2017 as a collaboration between Garland ISD, local community leaders, and the City of Garland, and it has since blossomed into something truly special.”
What began as a small community initiative has grown into a major annual celebration that draws people from all backgrounds. At the heart of the event are the traditional altars, or “ofrendas,” created by both Garland ISD students and members of the local community. These beautifully adorned altars are central to the Dia de los Muertos tradition, serving as spaces to honor loved ones who have passed away. Each altar is a deeply personal reflection of the person being remembered, often decorated with photographs, favorite foods, mementos, and other items that held special meaning for the deceased.
“One of the most moving parts of the event is the student altar competition,” Maldano said with clear pride in her voice. “Students from Garland ISD’s art departments create altars dedicated to their loved ones or historical figures who inspire them. These displays are not just art projects—they are deeply personal, emotional tributes that tell the stories of those who have passed.” Visitors will be able to view these altars at the Granville Arts Center, where they will be on display until November 10th, giving attendees ample time to appreciate the creativity and care that went into each piece.
But the celebration isn’t limited to quiet reflection. Dia de los Muertos in Garland is a joyful, lively event filled with music, dance, and the sounds of celebration. According to Maldano, this reflects the true spirit of the holiday: honoring the dead with joy rather than sorrow. “In Mexican culture, we celebrate our loved ones through music, dance, and community. It’s not about mourning—it’s about remembering them with happiness and celebrating the lives they lived,” she said.
Music lovers are in for a treat this year, with The Selena Experience headlining the event. This tribute band, dedicated to the legacy of the iconic Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla, will take audiences on a musical journey through some of Selena’s most beloved hits. “Selena’s music transcends generations,” Maldano said. “She’s someone who continues to inspire people today, and having this Grammy Award-winning tribute band perform is a very special part of our celebration. It’s a way for us to honor her memory and bring her music to life once again for our community.”
In addition to The Selena Experience, attendees will be able to enjoy performances from the renowned México 2000 Ballet Folklórico. Known for their stunning, colorful costumes and intricate choreography, México 2000 brings the rich tradition of Mexican folk dance to life on stage. Their performances are a visual and emotional journey through the different regions of Mexico, each dance telling its own story. The group will perform dances from pre-Colombian times as well as those influenced by European, African, and Caribbean cultures, creating a kaleidoscope of movement and music that is sure to captivate the audience.Another traditional highlight of the event is the performance of the Matachines dancers, a group that blends Indigenous and Spanish dance traditions in a powerful, rhythmic celebration of faith and heritage. “The Matachines dances are incredibly moving,” Maldano explained. “They’re deeply rooted in our indigenous and Catholic traditions, and watching them perform is both a cultural and spiritual experience. The intensity and passion of their movements are something that stays with you.”
The celebration doesn’t stop at music and dance. One of the key features of the event is the Artisan Market, where visitors can browse and purchase traditional Latin American crafts, clothing, and handmade goods. The market is a vibrant, bustling space filled with colorful displays of artisanal items, including handcrafted jewelry, embroidered textiles, and beautiful Dia de los Muertos-themed artwork. “Our Artisan Market is a fantastic way for people to connect with the culture through art,” Maldano said. “Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of clothing or a handcrafted item that tells a story, this is the place to find something special.”
Maldano emphasized that Dia de los Muertos in Garland is about more than just a celebration of Hispanic culture—it’s about bringing the entire community together. “We want people to feel welcome, no matter their background,” she said. “This is a celebration for everyone. Whether you’ve grown up celebrating Dia de los Muertos or it’s your first time, we want you to feel like you’re part of the community. It’s a way for us to bridge cultural understanding and share something that is deeply meaningful with everyone.”
Garland’s diverse community is one of the city’s greatest strengths, and events like Dia de los Muertos are part of a broader effort to celebrate and amplify that diversity. “Our city is a melting pot of cultures, and we love that about Garland,” Maldano said. “Dia de los Muertos is just one of many cultural celebrations we host throughout the year. In the spring, we have our Asian-American Heritage Festival, which is another event that highlights the richness of our community. We want to make sure that people know Garland is a place where all cultures are celebrated.”
As the City of Garland continues to grow, so does its Dia de los Muertos celebration. Looking ahead, Maldano expressed her hope that the event will become a fixture in the DFW area, drawing people from across the metroplex to experience the beauty of this tradition. “Our goal is to make Garland’s Dia de los Muertos one of the premier celebrations in the area,” she said. “We want people to mark their calendars and make it a tradition to attend every year. This event is about honoring the past, but it’s also about building a future where our community comes together to celebrate what makes us unique.”
With its vibrant blend of music, dance, art, and heartfelt remembrance, Garland’s Dia de los Muertos celebration promises to be a day of joy, reflection, and connection. Whether you come for the stunning performances, the beautiful altars, or simply to experience the rich culture of the holiday, it’s an event that offers something for everyone. Make sure to mark your calendar for November 2nd and join the City of Garland in celebrating life, memory, and community.