The MECA festival is a public celebration of community folk art traditions that commemorate family and community ancestors. Festival events include a community altar exhibit (on display from Oct. 13 through Nov. 21), foods from Latin American countries, vendors selling authentic Latin American Day of the Dead arts and crafts, and live performances of music, dance and more.

Festival performers include Sister Sister (Houston Latin Soul music), Richard Reyes and the Accent Band (Pancho Claus' bluesy alter ego), Cuban-born jazz artist Ernesto Vega, the acclaimed Colombian Folkloric Ballet, Solero Flamenco, Danza Azteca Taxcayolotl, Kouman'Kele African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Houston Girls Chorus and MECA Ballet Folklorico.