Thank you to everyone who joined us for Día de los Muertos at Waterloo Park on Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, 2025. This cherished Mexican holiday invites us to honor and remember those we’ve lost, with beauty, togetherness, and joy.
Even as rain fell on Saturday evening, the community spirit wasn’t dampened. Families, friends, and visitors gathered under the stars (and ponchos!) to celebrate traditions that transcend weather – art, music, dance, and the deep connection we share with those who came before us. The surrounding natural beauty of Waterloo Park added another layer of awe to an already magical evening.
As guests entered the park, they discovered a space transformed for remembrance, reflection, and celebration. The Moody Amphitheater stage became home to a breathtaking community “ofrenda” (altar) designed by local floral studio Teoxochitl Design and supported by LALO Tequila. Visitors added their own touch throughout both nights – photos of loved ones, favorite foods and drinks, cherished mementos – each contribution a testament to the memory of loved ones.
Nearby, the Alebrije Ofrenda, created by Muertos Design and supported by Love, Tito’s, provided a special space for remembering our beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge. Alebrijes are colorful spirit guides, represented in Mexican folk art as vibrant, fantastical creatures that often resemble dragons, lizards, and other mystical creatures. A precious twist on the traditional papel picado could be seen decorating the Alebrije Ofrenda with cutout shapes of cats, dogs, and birds.
The warmth of the celebration extended far beyond the stage and the ofrendas. Beautiful artistry was everywhere you looked – in the elaborate traditional ensembles and painted faces, in the handcrafted treasures and unique imported items displayed at the Mercado y Más Artisan Market, and in the heartfelt hospitality of Waterloo Greenway staff, vendors, and community partners who welcomed everyone with open arms.
Live performances, supported by PNC Bank, captivated audiences across both evenings. Conjunto Los Pinkys, Llamativa, Mariachi Corazon de Texas, Danza Azteca Guadalupana, Ballet Folklorico Maricruz, DJ Kick It, DJ Cortez, and the Austin Bats Dance Team filled the amphitheater with traditional music and folkloric dance that moved hearts and feet alike. The crowd swayed, clapped, and celebrated as performers brought centuries of tradition to vibrant life. The partner dancing (conjunto and cumbia!) was inspiring, and children of all ages found their own little spots for expressing themselves through dance!
Children also delighted in the open spaces of the amphitheater lawn, running and playing as families settled into Adirondack chairs to take in the scene. The Familia y Niños zone, supported by H-E-B, buzzed with young artists creating calavera face paintings with Central Texas Facepainting, building take-home altars with Creative Action, crafting sensory-friendly masks with The Latina Foundation, and enjoying stories with our friends from the Tomás Rivera Book Award.
Adults found their own moments of joy too, browsing the incredible offerings at the Mercado y Más Artisan Market, sipping micheladas in the beer garden, and savoring delicious bites from Tamale Addiction, Texas Drip BBQ, Acero Hearts, Churro Burro ATX, Hecho Por Penelope, and Peached Tortilla.
Throughout it all, what stood out the most was the true sense of belonging. Strangers became friends. Stories were shared. Laughter and hugs flowed freely. This is what Día de los Muertos is all about, and it’s what Waterloo Park is all about too.
Thank you to everyone who made this celebration so special and so beautiful. To the families who braved the rain, to the performers who shared their talents, to the vendors and artists who brought their creativity, and to our community partners and sponsors who made it all possible – we are deeply grateful.
Lead support for Día de los Muertos was provided by H-E-B and PNC Bank, with additional support from LALO Tequila, Austin Subaru, Austin Energy, Delta Air Lines, Liquid Death, Estrella Jalisco, Love, Tito’s, Waterloo Sparkling Water, BCL of Texas, Downtown Austin Alliance, and the Powell Foundation.
