Viva la Vida 2016

Oct. 29, 2016

Oct. 29, 2016 @ 12:00 pm 8:00 pm

Mexic-Arte Museum is thrilled to announce its annual Viva la Vida Festival on October 29, 2016 from 12:00pm – 8:00pm in downtown Austin. This year, Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead event features a grand procession and street festival (from Congress to San Jacinto) with artist vendors, live music, food trucks, and community altars. Art activities for children and families will be also be available in the neighboring Frost Bank Tower Plaza, where the public will have an opportunity to take pictures with parade props, including large-scale moving sculptures and mojigangas.

Additionally, the festival grounds have expanded this year to include Brazos Hall, where the public can enjoy even more vendors, face painting, lively performances, and a costume contest. On the Brazos Hall rooftop, the Members Cocktail Lounge will spotlight handcrafted specialty beverages for Museum Members and patrons.

Mexic-Arte Museum remains open during the exhibitions of Icons & Symbols of the Borderland (main gallery) and Community Altars: A Celebration of Life (annex gallery).

The 2016 event is co-sponsored by the City of Austin.

About Viva la Vida

Viva la Vida is Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead festival featuring Latino artists and entertainment, an exhibition, and educational programs in the heart of downtown.  Part of the proceeds will benefit the education programs of Mexic-Arte Museum, whose mission is to enrich the community through education programs and exhibitions focusing on traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. 

Mexic-Arte Museum presents Día de los Muertos as Viva la Vida Fest to celebrate life by promoting health and environmental awareness through art and culture.  Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva la Vida Fest brings together Austin’s diverse population to pay homage to friends, family, and heroes. The festival features an exhibition of contemporary art as well as community altars. Attendees can also enjoy wall murals, education programs, a grand procession with costumes and props, and a street celebration with traditional foods, hands-on art activities, artist demos, local retail booths, live music and performances.

Día de los Muertos is an important Latin American tradition, taking place on November 1st and 2nd, when friends and family gather to honor and remember loved ones, not through mourning, but through celebration!  The origins trace back to the Pre-Columbian era, when death was viewed as a transformation or continuation of life. This ancient belief evolved into the modern tradition of commemorating loved ones with altars decorated with sugar skulls, flowers, photographs, favorite foods and memorabilia of the deceased. Family and friends share stories and memories, sing songs, and play music.

To make the festival eco-friendly, Mexic-Arte Museum is encouraging all participating artists and festival-goers to create their costumes out of recycled, re-used, and sustainable materials.  The Museum is also committed to leaving a smaller footprint on the environment by reducing waste and minimizing energy wasted.  The event will not only encourage artistic creations, but will also promote eco-friendly living, healthy eating, and exercise through cycling and walking.


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Mexic-Arte Viva La Vida Parade & Festival 2016

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