Las Colinas Day of the Dead Canalside Celebration

On Wednesday, November 1st the Mandalay Canal the Las Colinas Association in partnership with the U.S.-Mexico Educational and Cultural Foundation hosted the third annual Las Colinas Day of the Dead Canalside Celebration. 2,000 people came to celebrate the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The holiday honors loved ones who have passed on.

LAS COLINAS DAY OF THE DEAD CANALSIDE CELEBRATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

MANDALAY CANAL

The celebration included an authentic ofrenda, where members of the community shared photos of their loved ones to be placed on the altar. Traditional ofrenda elements adorned the display as offerings for the deceased.

Music filled the canal as several performances happened canalside. The Irving Symphony Orchestra jazz trio kicked off the night followed by the Travis Middle School mariachi band. Mariachi Pure Sangre de Javier Aguilar finished the evening and had event goers dancing the night away. The live music was connected to the Las Colinas Canal Lights, making them sparkle and change with every note, matching the rhythm of the music.

Attendees had the opportunity to shop from a marketplace with artisan goods while they strolled the canal. Kids in attendance had the opportunity to have their face painted and the Irving Arts Center provided Day of the Dead themed crafts. Gondola Adventures provided gondola rides through the canal for a unique perspective on the event.

Food and beverages were plentiful on the canal. Avocados from Mexico brought their guacamole cart for guests to create their own custom guac cups. Zunte mezcal provided mezcal samples and information on the unique, historic spirit. Venetian Terrace served up food and beverages for guests to purchase.

Thank you to our community partners The City of Irving, Irving Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Parmenter Realty Partners, Dallas County Utility and Reclamation District and Arca Continental-Coca-Cola.