Fort Worth families are invited to celebrate the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos at the 5th Annual Catrina Fest in Sundance Square on Saturday, Oct. 17. The free, all‑day event runs from noon until 11 p.m. and offers a blend of cultural performances, local artisans, and food‑truck fare that highlights the vibrant heritage of the holiday.
Live entertainment highlights
The festival’s schedule is packed with music and dance that showcase the community’s talent. Kicking off at noon, Ballet Folklórico de Fort Worth will present traditional Mexican folk dance. At 1 p.m., Mariachi Damas de Tejas will fill the plaza with lively mariachi sounds. Solo singer Monica Saldivar takes the stage at 3 p.m., followed by a performance by Grupo Pakal at 4:30 p.m. The evening concludes with a set by Fusion Latina at 7:30 p.m.
Catrina contests with cash prizes
The centerpiece of the day is the Catrina Contest, a costume competition that honors the departed while celebrating life, remembrance and renewal. A junior version, the Mini Catrina Contest, opens at 2 p.m. for children 12 and under; the winner receives a $500 cash prize. The main runway event begins at 5 p.m., where participants showcase elaborate, hand‑crafted outfits. The top prize for the adult contest is $5,000, making it one of the most anticipated moments of the festival.
Artisan market and food options
Throughout the day, Sundance Square will be lined with artisan market vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and artwork that reflect the symbolism of the Day of the Dead. Food trucks will serve a variety of dishes, from classic Tex‑Mex fare to traditional Mexican sweets, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Why the festival matters
Beyond entertainment, the Catrina Fest provides an educational experience for families, reminding attendees of the cultural importance of honoring loved ones who have passed. The event underscores Fort Worth’s commitment to celebrating diverse traditions while fostering a sense of community.
Practical details
The festival takes place in the Sundance Square Plaza, downtown Fort Worth. Admission is free, and parking is available at nearby municipal lots. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, especially if they plan to watch the contests, as seating is on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
For more information, visit the official event page linked in the original announcement.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
