Now, I know despite the growing celebrations, there are still some who are kind of creeped out by the skeleton imagery or even the English translation– the “Day of the Dead.” I wonder what you might say to someone who doesn’t quite get it. And in towns like the one that I live in, McAllen, and where I work, Edinburg, there has been more attention paid to these holidays in the sense of otherwise locally well-planned civic celebrations – more kind of municipality-organized. Servando Hinojosa: What I’ve noticed is that, in fact, there has been an upsurge of interest in many things related to Día de los Muertos. Is that something you’ve noticed – that the holiday’s become more embraced here in Texas? Just here in Austin this past weekend, the parade seemed larger than years before. Texas Standard: It seems like every year celebrations in Texas for Día de los Muertos are getting bigger. This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity: Listen to the story above or read the transcript below. Professor of anthropology at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, Servando Hinojosa, spoke with the Texas Standard on the cross cultural implications of the holiday. These days, Día de los Muertos has transcended national and cultural boundaries, especially here in Texas.

It’s about honoring and remembering those who we’ve lost. However, the traditional Mexican celebration is more than that. And though some unfamiliar with the tradition might at first find it macabre, the smiling skeletons, tasty treats, and colorful decorations are more welcoming than scary.

Día de los Muertos is celebrated every year on November 1st and 2nd.

Houston dia de los muertos 2021 parade