ATX October 19th: 1st Annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival & Parade, Benefitting Easter Seals

On Saturday October 19, 2013, Easter Seals Central Texas will present its first annual Dia de los Muertos Festival from noon until 11 p.m. at Fiesta Gardens in beautiful downtown Austin, Texas. The festival, which will blend Austin’s vibrant live music landscape with dynamic Dia de los Muertos traditions, will feature a full-day cultural experience with performances, art, a costume contest, plus food and drinks.

Families can participate in the Los Muertos costume parade, enjoy face painting in traditional styles for all ages, view beautiful commemorative altars by local artists, and purchase memorabilia celebrating the spirit of the holiday. Children will enjoy the “Ni Zone”, offering safe entertainment and activities for kids of all ages and abilities.

The event benefits Easter Seals Central Texas, a non-profit organization that has served the Central Texas area since 1937. “We are excited to engage with the Austin community around this exciting cultural event to raise money for our important mission,” said Vice President of Development Denise Reams White. “We look forward to growing it into a uniquely Austin yearly festival!”

What is Dia de los Muertos?

Also known as Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos is a special holiday celebrated in Mexico, South and Central America, and areas of the United States. Dia de los Muertos is a joyous celebration of life, culture, and entertainment honoring departed family members. Families from west to east Austin observe the holiday with vibrant traditions, including making altars for loved ones, decorating sugar skulls, and hanging colorful cut paper banners called papel picado.

What is Easter Seals?

For over 75 years, Easter Seals Central Texas has been providing services to adults and children with disabilities and their caregivers.

“In 1949, a small building was dedicated as the Austin Cerebral Palsy Center serving a small population of Central Texas residents,” explained volunteer Rebecca Robinson. “Almost 20 years later, it became the Capital Area Rehabilitation Center, expanding its services, programs, and persons served. Finally, in 1998, the name was changed to Easter Seals Central Texas.”

Easter Seals Central Texas serves 7,000 people in 22 Texas counties and provides in excess of $150,000 in uncompensated care to the local Central Texas area annually. Services include outpatient medical rehabilitation, workforce development, community, and housing services. Its care services include multiple demographics ranging from birth to advanced age. To donate to the cause, click here!

Tentative Schedule

12:00 p.m. – Gates Open, Exhibition of Dia de los Muertos Altars

1:00 p.m. – Musical Artists Perform

2:00 p.m. – Easter Seals Mission Presentation

6:00 p.m. – Los Muertos Costume Parade

9:30 p.m. – Headlining Entertainer Performs

Who’s performing?

Musical artists will include Dale Watson, Rick Trevino, El Tule, Los Autenticos, The Whiskey Sisters, Cast-n-Crew, Las Monas, and more!

How much does it cost? Tickets for Dia de los Muertos go on sale August 16, 2013. General admission tickets are $25, and VIP tickets are $55.

Where is Fiesta Gardens? Take Cesar Chavez Street east to Waller Street and turn south. Travel to Nash Hernandez Sr. Road, then turn east onto Jesse Segovia Street. Fiesta Gardens will be on your right, just past the fence of the West End facility. The address is 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. Austin, TX 78702.

For more information on Dia de los Muertos Festival, Easter Seals Central Texas, or to purchase event tickets, please click here!

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