Odessa Festival Celebrates Día De Los Muertos
Committee member Celeste Canedo shared details about the upcoming free community celebration in downtown Odessa.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Civic
Live Poll
Do you believe local cultural festivals improve the quality of life in your area?
Celeste Canedo spoke to the Odessa Rotary Club at Odessa College regarding the upcoming Día De Los Muertos festival. The community event features a parade and costume contest for all ages.
Why it matters
The festival provides a free cultural event for residents in downtown Odessa. The celebration is designed to encourage community engagement through activities like the parade and costume contest.
The festival spans six hours, beginning at 4 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m. on October 24. It will feature a costume contest with cash prizes for the top three entries, open to all participants.
The players
Celeste Canedo
She serves as a board member of the Día De Los Muertos committee.
Odessa Rotary Club
This is a local service organization based in Odessa that hosts regular meetings for members.
The details
The event takes place in Downtown Odessa between 5th Street and Texas Street, offering a full range of festivities including a parade and festival activities. The costume contest is open to participants of all ages, with financial awards designated for first, second, and third-place finishers.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Celeste Canedo addressed the Odessa Rotary Club at Odessa College.
October 24, 2026: The Día De Los Muertos festival will take place.
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.: The festival will run on October 24.
Industry Dynamics
This festival reflects the broader growth in local civic celebrations that honor the traditional Día De Los Muertos holiday. Such events mark a move toward community-focused programming that emphasizes interactive participation over passive entertainment.
Residents can attend the festival free of charge, allowing for full participation in the parade and community activities. Those interested in the costume contest should be prepared to register for a chance at the available cash prizes.
The takeaway
The upcoming festival offers a free opportunity for all ages to engage in local cultural celebrations. Participants should arrive between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to take full advantage of the scheduled parade and contest activities.
Further reading
For additional updates on local events, visit the Odessa Civic section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Odessa American.
Live Poll
Do you believe local cultural festivals improve the quality of life in your area?
