Houstonians didn't have to wait until New Year's Eve to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next — they got to do just that at Xfinity's Día de los Muertos celebration, held at Discovery Green.
More than 1,000 people turned up to honor those who are no longer living while also sharing with Frost Bank and CultureMap what keeps them optimistic. In addition to the community altar, DJ, hands-on art activities, and cultural performances, guests could get a glimpse into the future by visiting the "good fortune" teller.
Besides writing on the Call Me Optimistic chalkboards, attendees could also personalize "do-good" postcards for homeless kits that will be distributed to Houston shelters during the holiday season.
So what makes Houstonians optimistic? Besides Lizzo (obviously), answers ranged from spending time with family to eating ice cream. One woman shared how she had recently started a new business and was looking forward to the year ahead, while another stressed the importance of keeping her culture alive through celebrating Día de los Muertos.
One couple revealed their secret to a happy life together, saying that "a good relationship where you communicate on all levels — relationally, spiritually, and fiscally — is what has kept us happy and optimistic over the years."
CultureMap and Frost Bank will be hosting more of these pop-up events throughout the year, surprising and delighting folks all over Texas.
Want to know where we might show up next? Sign up for our emails and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for hints about our next stop.
Frost Bank and CultureMap stopped by the Día de los Muertos celebration at Discovery Green.
