Día de los Muertos 2026: El Paso & Las Cruces
Día de los Muertos falls on November 1–2, 2026, but celebrations in the El Paso–Las Cruces region often begin in October, with community festivals, public ofrendas (altars), live music, traditional dancing, art markets and Catrina processions.
For 2026, the most useful events to track are the major annual community celebrations as well as museum, downtown and cultural-center programs. Because dates and schedules can change, I’ll distinguish events to investigate from listings whose 2026 details need confirmation.
El Paso events
1. Día de los Muertos Desfile & Festival
Saturday, October 24 · 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
The signature downtown celebration features a large parade, folklórico dancers, musicians, floats, artisan vendors, food trucks and cultural activities.
Parade: Begins at 4 p.m.
Location: Downtown Arts District and Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
Admission: Free.
Sources:
2. Día de los Muertos: Three Weekends of Remembrance
October 16–17, 23–24 and 30–November 1
A new, multiweek downtown celebration organized by Visit El Paso, with themed weekends, live entertainment, food, drinks, local vendors and tributes to departed loved ones.
Location: Downtown Visitor Information Center and pedestrian pathway, 1 Civic Center Plaza.
Admission: Free; all ages welcome.
Final weekend: October 30, 5–9 p.m.; October 31, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; November 1, 2–7 p.m.
Source:
3. El Paso High School Día de los Muertos Festival
Saturday, October 31 · 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The school's 14th annual festival includes student art, a Catrina and costume contest, folklórico performances, live music, trunk-or-treat, food and local vendors.
Location: El Paso High School, 800 E. Schuster Ave.
Admission: Free.
Source:
Las Cruces and southern New Mexico
4. Día de los Muertos in Las Cruces: Arte, Música y Cultura
Sunday, November 1 · 5–9 p.m.
A community celebration showcasing local artists, community ofrendas, a juried art exhibition, musical performances, a mercadito, face decorating and a silent auction. Free café de olla and pan dulce are advertised while supplies last.
Location: Downtown Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main St.
General admission: Free; advance registration required for attendees 18 and older.
VIP shopping: 3–5 p.m., paid early access.
Source:
5. Día de los Muertos in Old Mesilla
October 30–November 2 · Exact daily schedule to verify
The historic Mesilla Plaza is a traditional regional gathering place for Day of the Dead celebrations, with community altars, music, food, artisan vendors and remembrance activities. A procession to the cemetery is listed for November 2.
Location: Old Mesilla Plaza, Mesilla, New Mexico.
Best for: Historic atmosphere, photography, traditional ofrendas and community festivities.
Sources:
6. City of Las Cruces Día de los Muertos Celebration
Friday, November 6 · 4:30–7 p.m.
A family-friendly cultural program with hands-on activities, face painting, folklórico and mariachi performances, and an opportunity to create a community ofrenda in the courtyard.
Location: Branigan Cultural Center and museum courtyard, downtown Las Cruces.
Activities: 4:30 p.m. hands-on activities; 4:45 p.m. folklórico; 5:30 p.m. mariachi; 6:15 p.m. dance performance.
Source:
Event calendar at a glance
Date | Event | City |
|---|---|---|
Oct. 16–17 | Three Weekends of Remembrance | El Paso |
Oct. 23–24 | Three Weekends of Remembrance | El Paso |
Oct. 24 | Desfile & Festival | El Paso |
Oct. 30–Nov. 1 | Three Weekends of Remembrance, final weekend | El Paso |
Oct. 31 | El Paso High School Festival | El Paso |
Oct. 30–Nov. 2 | Old Mesilla celebration | Mesilla |
Nov. 1 | Arte, Música y Cultura | Las Cruces |
Nov. 2 | Mesilla cemetery procession listed | Mesilla |
Nov. 6 | Branigan Cultural Center celebration | Las Cruces |
