Day of the Dead, Austin Style

Austin celebrates Day of the Dead all weekend long, thanks to Halloween kickoff and glorious weather

Nathan Black and Shari Gerstenberger lead the Day of the Dead procession through East Austin.Photo by Jon Shapley
Jenni Weiland of Minor Mishap Marching Band rehearses before the procession to Pan Am Park.Photo by Jon Shapley
Tracy Firsching practices with her puppet before the processoin to Pan Am Park.Photo by Jon Shapley
Brooke Rosel waits for the start of the Procession at Pan Am Park.Photo by Jon Shapley
Bridgette Reed.Photo by Jon Shapley
Shari Gerstenberger, Charm School Vintage owner and Day of the Dead organizer, with Nathan Black.Photo by Jon Shapley
Shari Gerstenberger and Allyson Garro, Day of the Dead organizers, lead the procession with Nathan Black.Photo by Jon Shapley
“Bonus” throws glitter on marching band members during the procession.Photo by Jon Shapley
The Minor Mishap marching band plays as the procession makes its way to Tillery Park.Photo by Jon Shapley
A man holds up a Day of the Dead skull sign as the procession stops for a red light at Pleasant Valley.Photo by Jon Shapley
Minor Mishap Marching Band performs underneath the 7th Street bridge on its way to Tillery Park.Photo by Jon Shapley
Minor Mishap Marching Band.Photo by Jon Shapley
The Day of the Dead altar set up in Tillery Park.Photo by Jon Shapley
A woman looks at the altar after the procession.Photo by Jon Shapley
Angeliska Polacheck lights candles at the altar.Photo by Jon Shapley
A woman quietly gazes at the altar.Photo by Jon Shapley
Erin Freeman and Tracy Abrahams watch a tribute photo slideshow at Tillery Park.Photo by Jon Shapley
Julia Vieau.Photo by Jon Shapley
Julie Blum and Omar Gonzalez embrace each other as they look at the altar.Photo by Jon Shapley
Anna Smith and Tatiana Hinofotis.Photo by Jon Shapley
Galit Church and Fiona Robinson.Photo by Jon Shapley
Stephanie and Kai Jimenez.Photo by Jon Shapley
Lindsay Jenkins and Steve Rodriguez.Photo by Jon Shapley

Day of the Dead celebrations traditionally take place over three days, and Austin took full advantage of the fact that this year they fell on a weekend — and a gorgeous one at that.

In conjunction with the city, Mexic-arte Museum had altars erected and held its downtown Grand Procession — the longest-running one in the city— early (October 19), during its Viva de Vida festival, and a few ever-festive institutions jumpstarted the weekend proper on Friday, more or less segueing right from Halloween.

Saturday, though, saw the most abundant and family-friendly festivities, with events taking place everywhere from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to ACL Live and many points in between.

Around dusk, Krewe du Bisoux's procession (depicted here) began; led by Minor Mishap Marching Band, elaborately costumed celebrants marched through East Austin, ending at a large altar in Tillery Park, where those who have passed were given tribute.

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Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza Park aerial image showing bridge and tower

Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza Park is now open to the public. Photo by Jane Yun

A new park surrounding a former airport structure has debuted in Austin's Mueller neighborhood. Called the Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza, it is now open to the public.

The park design is relatively simple, encircling the airport's old control tower with paved areas and a pedestrian bridge. A hill in the center is partially terraced with small retaining walls, which in some cases could double as seating. Plants including native grasses have been added, but have yet to fill in the space. Some young trees could be focal points and shade providers in years to come.

Crowd on Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza Park steps People gather on the steps during the opening ceremony.Photo by Jane Yun

The park is named after a Mueller community member who advocated to keep the control tower standing. Although Taylor pushed to move the airport, he recognized the control tower as a landmark. He was part of the Citizens for Airport Re-Location (CARE) group, which put forth the redevelopment plan for the area. Taylor passed away in November 2012.

An interesting departure from the rest of the modern neighborhood, the blue-striped and flared tower is one of the last remaining relics of Mueller's past. The retro look will remain as-is.

Performers from Blue Lapis Light, an aerial arts group that is known for performing on structures around Austin highlighted the tower during an opening ceremony for the park on March 29, dangling off the top ledge. Other representatives including CEO of Arterra Development Greg Weaver, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, and Taylor's adult children spoke at the event.

Blue Lapis Light performers on former Austin control tower Blue Lapis Light performers highlighted the tower in a dramatic way.Photo by Jane Yun

The opening of the plaza is a milestone in the 20-year plan to transform Austin's prior airport not only into something livable, but into what the city calls an "urban village." Austinites in the 2020s now know the area as a residential hub filled with pleasant-looking houses and restaurants like the influential L'Oca d'Oro or the newcomer from South Africa, Nando's.

This is the final named park to open as part of the redevelopment plan. As late as 2024 there have still been amendments to the plan, including an extension to finish work by the end of 2027, but the end is increasingly within sight. To a casual visitor, most parts of Mueller certainly look complete.

Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza is located at 3925 Berkman Dr.

parks families airport mueller urban renewal

Day of the Dead, Austin Style

Austin celebrates Day of the Dead all weekend long, thanks to Halloween kickoff and glorious weather

Day of the Dead, Austin Style

Austin celebrates Day of the Dead all weekend long, thanks to Halloween kickoff and glorious weather

Cleared for landing

New Austin park marks end stage of 20-year plan to redevelop old airport

Cleared for landing

New Austin park marks end stage of 20-year plan to redevelop old airport