Scissortail Park hosts 7th annual Day of the Dead festival

The seventh annual Festival de Vida y Muerte returns to Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City on Sunday, Nov. 1. The free public event brings together music, traditional arts, and family activities to mark Día de Muertos. Organizers designed the programming for multiple generations, including seniors remembering family members and children participating in workshops. The festival also welcomes visitors who are unfamiliar with the observance.

The celebration began as a local tradition seven years ago. It has since expanded into a major seasonal draw for the downtown area. The event combines cultural education with a showcase for local businesses. Attendees can view community ofrendas honoring relatives and ancestors. They can also watch a Catrina costume contest and a pet parade featuring creative dress.

Live performances anchor the schedule. Mariachi Los Caporales from San Antonio will return to the park stages. Local dance troupes will present regionally rooted choreography. The musical lineup includes traditional mariachi sounds that define the holiday. Food trucks and vendors will offer regional dishes throughout the park.

Oaxacan artisan Margarito Melchor serves as a featured artist. He will display and discuss his hand-carved and painted wooden figures known as alebrijes. Melchor will demonstrate traditional copal wood carving techniques. He will explain the colors and motifs that define the craft. These demonstrations provide context for the carving and painting process that static displays often lack.

City leaders cite the festival's role in supporting small businesses. Mayor David Holt noted that the event highlights Oklahoma City's cultural diversity. He stated that the gathering attracts visitors to the downtown area. The festival offers a low-barrier way for families to engage with traditions. It allows the wider community to experience customs passed down through generations.

Local artisans will sell crafts and demonstrate techniques at their booths. Children's workshops and interactive art activities will occupy specific zones in the park. The event runs during the day, so attendees should plan for daytime temperatures. Organizers recommend comfortable shoes for walking between outdoor spaces. Parking and transit options may vary on event day, so visitors should allow extra travel time.

The festival serves as a cultural showcase and a hands-on learning opportunity. It preserves heritage while contributing to the local economy. The combination of education, performance, and commerce makes the event a central feature of the Nov. 1 calendar in downtown Oklahoma City.