OKC Día de Muertos festival returns Sunday to Scissortail Park

Scissortail Park's seventh annual Día de Muertos celebration takes over the Love's Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn on Sunday, Nov. 1, with eight hours of music, food, art and cultural traditions.

The OKC Festival de Vida y Muerte, according to The Journal Record, is free and runs from noon to 8 p.m. Last year's event drew more than 15,000 people, making it one of Oklahoma City's signature cultural events. Supermercados Morelos presents the festival, which is organized by Tango PR.

The event gives small businesses, food vendors, artisans and Latino artists a platform to sell their work and connect with the community.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt called the festival a chance for people of all backgrounds to experience the city's diverse culture. "The festival features great food, beautiful art and music, and is creating a significant economic impact as well, by supporting small businesses and bringing visitors to OKC," Holt said.

Oaxacan artisan joins guest lineup

Margarito Melchor, an artisan from Oaxaca, Mexico, is a featured guest. Melchor is known for alebrijes, the brightly painted fantasy creatures carved from copal wood. His family workshop, Taller Margarito Melchor, spans three generations and uses original techniques in texture and relief carving, according to the workshop's website. Visitors can watch his process and learn about the carving and hand-painting behind each piece.

Mariachi Los Caporales of San Antonio returns as a featured act, joined by local and visiting performers and folklórico dancers. The lineup celebrates the music and dance traditions central to Día de Muertos.

What to expect

Scissortail Park posted a full rundown of activities:

Cultural market
Community ofrendas
Food trucks
Art and face painting
Interactive activities
Live music and entertainment
Folklórico dances
Catrina and Alebrije pet parade
Catrina contest

Día de Muertos is a tradition observed throughout Mexico and Latin America. Organizers say the festival gives the wider Oklahoma City community a chance to learn about its meaning through ofrendas, traditional performances and art.