El Paso city officials confirmed that the outdoor portion of the annual Día de Los Muertos Festival scheduled for Saturday has been canceled because of unsafe weather conditions affecting the downtown area. The decision was announced by a city spokesperson at 5:10 p.m., citing rain and strong winds that made the planned parade and street‑side events unsafe for participants and spectators.
Indoor programming continues
While the street parade slated for 4 p.m. was halted as the storm moved in, the city said museums and cultural venues throughout downtown will stay open and offer free activities for families and visitors until 8 p.m. These indoor events include traditional altar displays, craft workshops, and live music performances that celebrate the Mexican tradition of honoring ancestors.
What families can expect
Parents looking for safe, family‑friendly options are encouraged to head to the El Paso Museum of Art, the Museum of History, and the downtown cultural center, all of which have prepared special programming for the holiday. Activities include:
- Guided tours of historic altars created by local artists.
- Hands‑on sugar‑skull decorating stations for children.
- Live performances of traditional mariachi and folk music.
- Storytelling sessions that explain the cultural significance of Día de Los Muertos.
All indoor events are free of charge and open to the public, with additional safety measures such as increased cleaning protocols and limited capacity to ensure a comfortable environment.
Community response
Local residents expressed disappointment over the loss of the outdoor parade but praised the city’s quick response to protect public safety. “We were looking forward to the parade, but it’s better to stay safe,” said Maria Gonzalez, a longtime El Paso resident. “I’m glad the museums are still open – it gives families a chance to enjoy the holiday together without risking the weather.”
Business owners in the downtown corridor also voiced support for the decision, noting that the indoor events will help maintain foot traffic and keep the festive spirit alive despite the storm.
Looking ahead
The city’s Office of Cultural Affairs plans to evaluate the weather impact and consider contingency plans for future festivals, including potential backup indoor venues and real‑time weather monitoring. Officials emphasized that the safety of participants, volunteers, and visitors remains the top priority for all city‑sponsored events.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local news outlets and the city’s official social‑media channels for any further updates on weather‑related changes to community events.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
