Mexican American Cultural Center and MexAmericon unite for vibrant Day of the Dead festival featuring local artists, live music and unique cultural experiences

The Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) will hold its 16th annual Day of the Dead festival in collaboration with MexAmericon, set to take place at the picturesque Pan American Recreation Center.

This much-anticipated event promises a day of celebration, art, and culture that brings the community together.

The family-friendly festival offers many hands-on children’s activities, art activations, vendors, food trucks, and a collective community altar.

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Mark your calendars for November 4th, as the festival offers extended hours from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., combining the most awaited events of the year into one grand celebration.

From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., MexAmericon will present an afternoon showcase of Mexican American and Latinx artists who work in comic books, graphic novels, zines, and pop art.

The “Artist Alley” under the expansive outdoor MexAmericon tent will feature activities such as loteria (bingo), an artisan market, and autograph signings.

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MexAmericon, now in its 6th year, is a unique Comic Con event, the only Latine-focused comic con in Central Texas. It immerses attendees in culture-focused graphic novels and an inclusive environment for artists and fans.

Don’t miss the live music performance by Outlet Odyssey on the Pan Am Hillside stage at 3:00 p.m., presented by MexAmericon.

At 4:00 pm, the festival will shift its focus to celebrate the Day of the Dead with altars, art installations, and activities that highlight the sweetness and fragility of life.

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The MACC will showcase large-scale interactive sculptures by Las Piñatas ATX. The MACC’s education department will offer free sugar skull decorating and face painting from 4:00 p.m. onwards.

The collective outdoor ofrenda (altar) will be a growing tribute to cherished memories as guests contribute names and notes.

The evening’s entertainment on the main outdoor Pan Am stage will include performances by the mariachi metal group Tequila Rock Revolution, Tejano Music Awards’ Best New Female Artist Monica Saldivar, and Austin’s Latin-Psych Fusion band Los Alcos.

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The MexAmericon and Day of the Dead events will occur outdoors under tent cover on the Pan Am grassy “Hillside.” This double event is free to attend and open to all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs, blankets, and non-alcoholic beverages.

MexAmericon Schedule:

  • 1:00 pm: MexAmericon artists, vendors, and activities open at the West Lawn (next to the baseball field). Introduction by EMCEE Mexcellence and program organizers.
  • 1:15 pm: Moderator Kevin Garcia presents MexAmericon artist panel group #1.
  • 1:35 pm: Moderator Kevin Garcia presents MexAmericon artist panel group #2.
  • 2:00 pm: Musical Performance by DJ Zetroc
  • 3:15 pm: Musical Performance by Outlet Odyssey
  • Ongoing Activities: Lotería, Artist Talks, Zines, Artist Alley, Board Games

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Day of the Dead Schedule:

  • 4:00 pm: Day of the Dead festival begins, welcoming remarks on the Pan Am stage with Master of Ceremonies Marion Sanchez and MACC Manager Michelle Rojas. Danza Azteca/ Blessing with Danza Ollinyollotl.
  • Activities are open, including sugar skull decorating and face painting.
  • 5:30 pm: Los Alcos on Pan Am Stage
  • 6:30 pm: Monica Saldivar on Pan Am Stage
  • 8:00 pm: Tequila Rock Revolution on Pan Am Stage

For attendees’ convenience, a free shuttle service will run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. between the Pan American Recreation Center and two parking locations.

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Parking around Pan Am Park should be respectful of the neighborhood and not block driveways.

Shuttle Stops:

  • Stop #1: Metz Neighborhood Swimming Pool (parking lot), 2305 Canterbury St, Austin, TX 78702
  • Stop #2: Martin Neighborhood Swimming Pool (parking lot across the street from Nash Hernandez Building), 1626 Nash Hernandez Senior Rd, Austin, TX 78702

The MACC’s Day of the Dead festival, in partnership with MexAmericon, promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and community, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead and the world of Mexican-American and Latinx comics and art.

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