By james art 
This November 2, the City of Garland will come alive with the vibrant colors of marigolds, the rhythmic sounds of mariachi music and the heartfelt tributes of families remembering their loved ones. For the seventh year, Garland will host its annual Dia de los Muertos celebration, inviting the community and beyond to participate in a rich cultural tradition that honors life, memory and the connections that bind us across generations. Held at the Granville Arts Center, this free event offers a unique blend of music, dance, art and community that promises an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Veronica Maldano, Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Garland, to learn more about the roots of the event and the significance of this annual tradition. “Dia de los Muertos is a beloved holiday not only for our Mexican-American community, but for all of Latin America,” explained Maldano. “This is more than just a holiday – it’s a time to come together as a community to honor our loved ones, share memories and celebrate life. It began in 2017 as a collaboration between Garland ISD, local community leaders and the City of Garland and has since grown into something truly special.”
What started as a small community initiative has grown into a major annual celebration that attracts people from all backgrounds. At the heart of the event are traditional altars, or “ofrendas,” created by both Garland ISD students and local community members. These beautifully decorated altars are central to the Dia de los Muertos tradition, serving as places to honor loved ones who have passed away. Each altar is a deeply personal reflection of the person being remembered, often decorated with photos, favorite foods, memorabilia and other items that have special meaning to the deceased.
“One of the most moving parts of the event is the student altar competition,” Maldano said with clear pride in his voice. “Students in Garland ISD’s art departments create altars dedicated to their loved ones or historical figures who inspire them. These displays are not just art projects – they are deeply personal, emotional tributes that tell the stories of those who have passed.” Visitors will be able to see these altars at the Granville Arts Center, where they will be on display until November 10. giving attendees ample time to appreciate the creativity and care that went into each piece.
But the celebration is not limited to quiet reflection. Dia de los Muertos in Garland is a joyful, lively event filled with music, dancing and sounds of celebration. According to Maldano, this reflects the true spirit of the holiday: honoring the dead with joy, not sorrow. “In Mexican culture, we celebrate our loved ones through music, dance and community. It’s not about mourning – it’s about remembering them with happiness and celebrating the life they lived,” she said.
Music lovers will be in for a treat this year, with Selena’s experience headliner of the event. This tribute band, dedicated to the legacy of iconic Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla, will take the audience on a musical journey through some of Selena’s most beloved hits. “Selena’s music transcends generations,” Maldano said. “She is someone who continues to inspire people today, and having the Grammy Award-winning tribute band perform is a very special part of our celebration.” This is a way for us to honor her memory and bring her music back to life for our community.”
In addition to Selena’s experienceattendees will be able to enjoy performances by the renowned México 2000 Ballet Folklórico. Known for its stunning, colorful costumes and intricate choreography, México 2000 brings the rich tradition of Mexican folkloric dance to life on stage. Their performances are a visual and emotional journey through the different regions of Mexico, with each dance telling its own story. The group will perform dances from pre-Columbian times as well as those influenced by European, African and Caribbean cultures, creating a kaleidoscope of movement and music that is sure to captivate the audience. Another traditional highlight of the event is the performance of the Matachines Dancers, a group that combines indigenous and Spanish dance traditions in a powerful, rhythmic celebration of faith and heritage. “Matachines dances are incredibly exciting,” explained Maldano. “They are deeply rooted in our local and Catholic traditions, and seeing them performed is both a cultural and spiritual experience.” The intensity and passion of their movements is something that stays with you.”
The celebration doesn’t just stop with music and dancing. One of the key features of the event is the Artisan Market, where visitors can browse and buy traditional Latin American crafts, clothing and handmade goods. The market is a vibrant, bustling space filled with colorful displays of artisanal items, including handmade jewelry, embroidered textiles, and beautiful Dia de los Muertos-themed artwork. “Our Artisan Market is a fantastic way for people to connect with culture through art,” said Maldano. “Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of clothing or a handcrafted item that tells a story, this is the place to find something special.”
Maldano emphasized that Dia de los Muertos in Garland is more than just a celebration of Hispanic culture — it’s about bringing the entire community together. “We want people to feel welcome, regardless of their background,” she said. “It’s a holiday for everyone. Whether you grew up celebrating Dia de los Muertos or it’s your first time, we want you to feel like part of the community. It’s a way for us to transcend cultural understanding and share something that is deeply meaningful with everyone.”
Garland’s diverse community is one of the city’s greatest strengths, and events like Dia de los Muertos are part of a broader effort to celebrate and expand that diversity. “Our city is a mix of cultures, and that’s what we love about Garland,” Maldano said. “Dia de los Muertos is just one of the many cultural celebrations we organize throughout the year. In the spring, we have our Asian American Heritage Festival, which is another event that highlights the richness of our community. We want to make sure people know that Garland is a place where all cultures are celebrated.”
As the City of Garland continues to grow, so does its Dia de los Muertos celebration. Looking ahead, Maldano expressed his hope that the event will become a permanent fixture in the DFW area, drawing people from across the metroplex to experience the beauty of this tradition. “Our goal is to make Garland’s Dia de los Muertos one of the biggest celebrations in the area,” she said. “We want people to mark their calendars and make it a tradition to attend every year. This event is about honoring the past, but also about building a future where our community comes together to celebrate what makes us unique.”
With its vibrant mix of music, dance, art and heartfelt memories, Garland’s Dia de los Muertos celebration promises to be a day of joy, reflection and connection. Whether you come for the stunning performances, the beautiful altars, or simply to experience the rich culture of the celebration, this is an event that offers something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar for November 2nd and join the City of Garland in celebrating life, memory and community.