Corpus Christi Dia de los Muertos Festival

Our Story

​Now in our 16th year, the Dia de los Muertos Festival has become one of Corpus Christi’s most popular events. It has been recognized as a top Dia de los Muertos Celebration in the US / Texas and voted Best Festival in The Bend Magazine’s Locals List seven years running (2016-2022).  Goals of the event are to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and South Texas, educate and unite our community, draw tourists and residents to downtown CC and promote our city. As Corpus Christi’s most anticipated event of the fall, the Dia de los Muertos Festival has brought life, music and culture into the downtown community since 2008.

​A national holiday in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a time when deceased friends and family members are remembered, honored and celebrated. It is a poignant time, both solemn and joyous, with colorful customs, pageantry, and whimsy despite the sobering subject. Our festival pays tribute to this tradition.

​The 2023 Dia de los Muertos Festival will be held Saturday, October 28 from 3 pm to midnight. We present live entertainment on three stages: Latin-influenced rock & pop music, Mariachis, Ballet Folklorico and cultural dancers, youth performers, local DJs, and regional up-and-coming bands. The event also includes an Hecho a Mano Art Expo, Kids’ Activities, Ofrenda display in the Ritz Theater, art exhibitions and demonstrations, food, drinks and more.

​Our juried Hecho-a-Mano Art Expo features high quality fine arts and crafts, jewelry and Dia de los Muertos themed items by over 85 vendors. Students from TAMUCC and Del Mar College demonstrate various art processes, display architectural designs, and perform at the event.

​K Space Contemporary hosts a fine art exhibition of thematic works, a Youth Art Exhibition and youth piñata contest for area K-12 groups called Extravagancia de Piñatas. Prizes are awarded to competing K-12 groups for piñatas that receive the highest number of votes by the public. Our Kids’ Corner includes crafts, games, entertainment by youth, and other fun activities for children.

The Walk of Remembrance Ofrenda Display at the Ritz Theater is not to be missed! A traditional, spiritual component, altars are created by community members and youth groups. At center stage is an elaborate community ofrenda honoring deceased Coastal Bend residents and a tribute area where visitors may honor loved ones.

In the month leading up to the festival, K Space Contemporary takes cultural workshops to CCISD classrooms, CC Senior Recreation Centers and other non-profit groups. These activities provide an opportunity for people to learn about this cultural tradition of Mexico, create connections to our past, honor and celebrate the deceased.

​The festival is held in downtown Corpus Christi on Chaparral, Starr, Mesquite, Taylor and Peoples Streets. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume.  Get your face painted, adorn your hair with floral headbands, shop, and enjoy delicious food at one of our 25 food vendors!  Then, dance the night away at one of our festive music stages.

​The Dia de los Muertos Festival is organized by K Space Contemporary and Electra Art - Axis Tattoo.

This event is the primary fundraiser for operating funds for K Space Contemporary, a 501c3 non-profit arts organization.