Día de los Muertos in Texas: History, Meaning & How to Respect It

Why Texans See So Many Día de los Muertos Celebrations, Even If It’s Not Your Thing

Every fall, Texas fills with bright orange marigolds, sugar skulls, and parades celebrating Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. If you’re like me, a man of faith who believes God is Father, Jesus is Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit walks with us, you may find the imagery a little creepy. Growing up in Texas (and spending some time in Spain), I never liked the idea of inviting spirits back to visit. Still, I wanted to understand why this holiday is everywhere, and why so many Texans celebrate it.

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Where the Day of the Dead Began

Long before Spanish explorers arrived, Aztec, Maya, and Purépecha peoples held rituals honoring the dead. They believed death was part of life’s natural cycle and that loved ones’ spirits could visit once a year.

When Spanish conquistadors brought Catholicism in the 1500s, these ancient practices merged with All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2). That mix of indigenous tradition and Catholic teaching became what we now know as Día de los Muertos.

Why It Took Root in Texas

• Shared history and border: Texas was once part of Mexico and still shares deep cultural ties.
• Growing Hispanic population: Mexican-American families keep traditions alive and pass them to new generations.
• Big public celebrations: Cities like San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and even smaller towns now hold parades, altars (ofrendas), music, and art shows.
• Food that brings families together: Expect tamales, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), mole, and hot chocolate.
• A universal desire to remember loved ones: Even people who aren’t Catholic or don’t follow the indigenous beliefs sometimes join to honor relatives who’ve passed away.

How I Approach It Personally

I’ll be honest: I don’t believe the dead return, and I’m not comfortable with inviting spirits back. But I do believe in honoring family, visiting graves, telling stories, and keeping memories alive. If you’re like me, you might skip the altars and sugar skulls but still use this season to bring flowers, say a prayer, or tell your kids about grandparents they never met.

If You Decide to Join a Texas Celebration

• Say “Feliz Día de los Muertos”, it simply means “Happy Day of the Dead.”
• Look for marigolds: They’re the official flower and said to guide spirits home.
• Respect the ofrendas: These home or public altars often include photos, candles, food, and mementos.
• Enjoy the art & food: Many events feature local artists, music, and authentic Mexican dishes.

Read More: Texas Governor Directs State Police to Shield Houses of Faith