Día de los Muertos may fall close to Halloween, but it is a separate holiday with deep cultural and historical roots. The Mexican observance dates back to the 16th century and honors the dead while celebrating the reunion of the living and those who have passed.
The holiday is observed on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. Nov. 1, known as Día de los Angelitos or All Saints' Day, is when many traditions honor children who have died. Nov. 2, called Día de los Difuntos or All Souls' Day, is dedicated to deceased adults. Families build ofrendas, or altars, decorated with marigolds, photos, candles and keepsakes to welcome and remember loved ones.
In Richardson, Sueño is bringing back its annual Día de los Muertos block party on Nov. 2 from 4 to 9 p.m. at 800 W. Arapaho Road. The indoor-outdoor event includes a DJ, live entertainment and the restaurant's El Taquero & Cantinero stand. Outside, guests can order trompo and sirloin tacos with smoky salsa macha, fries, and corn on the cob with aioli. Inside, the menu features mini tetelas de cochinita pibil, sopa de mole negro, tamales de mole negro and dulce de leche buñuelos. Specialty cocktails will be served all night, including one inspired by pan de muerto, the sweet bread traditionally eaten during the holiday.
The newer Sueño Coctelería Mexicana in Snider Plaza will hold its first Día de los Muertos party on Nov. 2 from 4 to 10 p.m. It will offer the same traditional ofrenda offerings as the Richardson event, along with cocktails such as cempasúchil, copal, tepache de guava and chelada de aguachile. A DJ starts the party at the Alma Agave lounge at 4:30 p.m.
The largest citywide event is the seventh annual Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival on Oct. 31 at 1500 Marilla St. in Downtown. The festival begins at 4 p.m. with live music, concessions and crafts, and runs until 11 p.m. The parade steps off at 7 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, featuring catrina and catrín costumes and glowing floats decorated with marigolds.
On Nov. 1, CocoAndré will host Oak Cliff's Día de los Muertos celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at the chocolateria's new location at 423 Centre St., following its grand reopening. Local vendors, nonprofit organizations and the shop's hand-painted sugar skulls will be on hand, with dancers and music expected. The full lineup has not yet been announced. The same day, Revelers Hall and Jaquval Pub will close down part of Bishop Arts for an all-day block party from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Live music begins with Saul Eduardo y su Mariachi at 11 a.m., followed by Ritual de Muriel, Sabor Puro, and Yolanda Cruz & The Daydreamers.
Several restaurants have planned special menus. Chef Regino Rojas, who is James Beard-recognized, will take over Puerto Cocina in the Design District on Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Brunch Todos Santos, pairing his Michoacán roots with the restaurant's coastal cuisine. Reservations are available on Resy. The Mexican, at 1401 Turtle Creek Blvd., is hosting a four-night celebration from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2, with mariachi starting at 6:30 p.m. each night and a prix fixe menu that includes a short rib in black mole.
On Halloween night, Te Deseo in Victory Park will host a rooftop party on its La Terraza from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a DJ, decor and tequila specials. Sor Juana, at 1908 Canton St., is hosting a community altar through Nov. 8 in collaboration with the Danza Mexihka cultural group Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli. The restaurant invites visitors to bring a photo of a loved one or a beloved pet to help create a shared space for remembrance.
