Chilly weather and rainy skies were no match for the Folklorico dancers waving from floats and tiny cheerleaders marching on Main Street on Saturday morning for the 22nd annual Día De Los Muertos in Fort Worth parade.
Parade participants ride in their float on Main Street for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
The parade was thrown by Artes de la Rosa, a Fort Worth-based organization focused on Latino artists and culture, in partnership with several other local organizations to celebrate the Mexican holiday celebrated every year on November 1 and 2nd to remember family members and loved ones who have passed on.
William Girón, the artistic director of Artes de la Rosa, said that the parade is an opportunity for families to remember those they’ve lost and to celebrate their heritage. Over 30 floats participated on Saturday.
“Our mission is to preserve, promote, interpret the art lives, history and culture of the Latino community for everyone to enjoy,” Girón said. “There’s a lot of different celebrations happening this weekend, so we’re excited.”
Parade participants ride in their float on Main Street for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
Onlookers and community members lined the sidewalks along the route to watch the action and participate in a holiday with rich history and meaning in Mexican culture.
For Crowley resident Theodore Ruiz and his family, the parade — and the Día De Los Muertos — hold a special meaning.
“It’s actually a tradition that we do every year,” Ruiz said. “We set up an ofrenda, and we come out here every year for the parade to celebrate.”
Cheerleaders from East Fort Worth Montessori Academy march down Main Street for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
In the line of floats was a group of about a dozen school children in snazzy green and white cheerleader outfits — the newly formed cheer squad at East Fort Worth Montessori Academy. They were walking alongside the school’s robotics club.
“It feels really good to be a part of this event and teach the girls what it’s about,” said Candace Cook, a Fort Worth native and a parent at the school. “Their smiles lighten up the whole atmosphere.”
Parade participants from Ballet Folklorico Azteca de Fort Worth walk down Ellis Avenue for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
For Stephanie Vordokas, an instructor with Ballet Folklorico Azteca de Fort Worth, the parade is a chance to share her culture. Ballet Folklorico Azteca de Fort Worth is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
“I think it’s really important as a community to come together to celebrate our traditions and our culture,” Vordokas said. “And to just pass that on and show the community that we are alive. [The culture] is vibrant. Come out and join us.”
Folklorico dancing has become a multi-generational tradition in Vordokas’ family. She has been dancing for decades, and her 15-year-old daughter has been dancing since she was 4.
“I’m really happy that she finds a home with the group that I found a home with,” Vordokas said.
For some walking along the route, the holiday has carried extra meaning in the past few years, as President Trump has focused his administration’s efforts on immigration and deportation and made disparaging comments about Mexico.
“Mexican culture is very beautiful — it’s got so much color and flavor,” said Roanoke resident Jessica Faz, a parent whose 13-year-old daughter is a dancer in Ballet Folklorico of Fort Worth. Foz’ family immigrated to the United States from Mexico, but she was born in the United States. “I want people to see that.”
For those looking for more Día De Los Muertos celebrations this weekend in the metroplex, the Star-Telegram has a roundup of events.
Parade participants walk down Main Street for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
Parade participants ride down Ellis Avenue for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
Parade participants walk down Ellis Avenue for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
Parade participants ride down Ellis Avenue for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
Parade participants walk down Main Street for the Día De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.