From superheroes and sweet treats to colorful calaveras and cultural traditions, Austin’s Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) is bringing the community together for a weekend of celebration! With its newly reopened building offering more room for festivities, the MACC is hosting two days of family-friendly activities honoring Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Olivia Tamzarian and Laura Olvera Ahmed from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to preview the festivities, from the ninth annual MexAmeriCon to traditional music, dancing, community altars and hands-on workshops.

{p}We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Olivia Tamzarian and Laura Olvera Ahmed from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to preview the festivities, from the ninth annual MexAmeriCon to traditional music, dancing, community altars and hands-on workshops.{/p}

We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Olivia Tamzarian and Laura Olvera Ahmed from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to preview the festivities, from the ninth annual MexAmeriCon to traditional music, dancing, community altars and hands-on workshops.

The celebrations take place Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, with activities for families and visitors of all ages.

“We have a two day celebration this year,” said Tamzarian, “which is extra special. And because we’re back in our new building, we’re bigger than ever. We have more space so we decided to stretch it out. There’s going to be so much fun for everyone. We cannot wait!”

Watch the full video above for a preview of the MACC’s Halloween and Día de los Muertos celebrations!Saturday: Superheroes, costumes and Halloween fun!

The weekend kicks off Halloween morning with a special edition of the MAC’s monthly community walk.

Families are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy a walk along the surrounding trail, where local organizations will be handing out candy.

The fun continues with the ninth annual MexAmeriCon, a Mexican American comic convention celebrating superheroes, graphic novels and Latino representation in pop culture.

“It’s superheroes, graphic novels, pop culture. They always make masks. The we’re going to do a cape making activity so you can create your own superhero. And we love to see it because it’s the representation of Latino culture but with pop culture and also being on Halloween, we can’t wait to see everybody dress up!”

Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, games, mask-making, superhero cape activities and live entertainment, including a performance by Andrea Daniela.

Sunday: Honoring loved ones through Día de los Muertos

Sunday’s celebration shifts the focus to Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away.

“Día de los Muertos is a beautiful celebration of life,” Laura shared.

Visitors can explore community ofrendas, or altars, and participate by bringing offerings, fruit or meaningful items that remind them of loved ones.

A special floral artwork created with sawdust, seeds, rose petals and leaves by a San Antonio artist will also be displayed in the MAC’s dance studio.

{p}We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Olivia Tamzarian and Laura Olvera Ahmed from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to preview the festivities, from the ninth annual MexAmeriCon to traditional music, dancing, community altars and hands-on workshops.{/p}

We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Olivia Tamzarian and Laura Olvera Ahmed from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to preview the festivities, from the ninth annual MexAmeriCon to traditional music, dancing, community altars and hands-on workshops.

Music, dancing and hands-on traditions

Throughout Sunday’s celebration, guests can enjoy live performances, traditional music and dance, and interactive workshops.

The lineup includes Miguel St. Michael, regional Mexican music and salsa performances.

Families can also explore activities such as flower crown-making and a food demonstration, while a vendor market featuring more than 20 local businesses and artisans will be available throughout the weekend.

With its expanded facilities, the MAC is using its indoor spaces and outdoor plaza to bring these cultural traditions to life.

{p}We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Olivia Tamzarian and Laura Olvera Ahmed from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to preview the festivities, from the ninth annual MexAmeriCon to traditional music, dancing, community altars and hands-on workshops.{/p}

We Are Austin hosts Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner welcomed Olivia Tamzarian and Laura Olvera Ahmed from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to preview the festivities, from the ninth annual MexAmeriCon to traditional music, dancing, community altars and hands-on workshops.

Visit the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center online for event schedules, visitor information and more ways to participate in the celebration.

We Are Austin Halloween Show! Celebrate Día de los Muertos and more at the MACC!

We Are Austin Halloween Show! Celebrate Día de los Muertos and more at the MACC!