Magnolia Park, Houston’s first barrio, invites you to a FREE block party celebrating the neighborhood’s history and culture, in conversation with the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos.
The 5th Annual Magnolia Park Día de los Muertos Block Party celebrates the proud and industrious neighborhood of Magnolia Park with an afternoon of live performances; community altar-building and ofrendas-offerings; an unprecedented historical exhibit; family-friendly games and contests; a marketplace featuring artisan wares from local vendors; award-winning lowriders; and more!
Come out on Saturday, November 3r d, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the FREE block party, and you might just learn something new about Houston.
A lineup of energetic and cultural performances highlight the day. Musical artists include headliners and Houston ska legends Los Skarnales; the East End’s Zenteno Spirit; Grammy-award winning Sister Sister; the electrifying Selena Q. Tribute by Jocelyn; local favorites Robert Rodriguez & Mas Pulpo; and more. Traditional Aztec dancers and ballet folklorico dancers perform throughout the day.
Attendees are invited to participate in a variety of Día de los Muertos traditions such as placing a photo on communal altars honoring those who have passed; adding ofrendas to the altars; and taking pictures with our festive decor. Partygoers can browse unique gifts and more in the block party marketplace, including artisan jewelry from Austin-based Las Ofrendas; apparel from the neighborhood’s own artist Jesse “Magnolia Grown“ Rodriguez; and Houston-based local printing company Stick It To Me. Fuel your shopping with inspired cuisine from neighborhood institution Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant, A Comer food trailer, and other food vendors. Rev your engines with a close-up look at award-winning lowriders brought by Texas Lowrider Council – Houston, paying homage to the neighborhood’s iconic car culture.
The exhibit Magnolia Park, Houston’s First Barrio offers a brief overview of the history of Magnolia Park–from its first days as a verdant playground for Houston’s wealthiest families, to its coming of age as the first neighborhood in the city to support and celebrate the Mexican family. With photos, objects, film, and art sourced from Magnolia Park residents, Houston Community College, and the Houston Public Library archives, the exhibit lets visitors celebrate the neighborhood’s past, while asking challenging questions about its future. This is the first exhibit of its kind to focus on this historic neighborhood; to be curated by residents of Magnolia Park; and to feature work exclusively sourced from neighborhood artists.
Organization & Funding
The 5th Annual Magnolia Park Día de los Muertos Block Party is organized by the East End Collaborative.
Generous funding is provided by Barrio Dogs; El Centro de Corazón; the East End District; Mario’s Automotive; McKinley Homebuilders; Morales Family Funeral Home; Port Houston; and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Additional funding is provided by Buffalo Bayou Partnership; Frost Bank; and To Educate All Children (TEACH).
