Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archaeology of Memory celebrates the pioneering artist’s contributions to the field of contemporary art. Hailed in The New York Times as “powerful and overdue,” this retrospective features more than forty artworks created by the Chicana artist between 1991 and 2024, including altar-installations, codices, and prints, and featuring a new large-scale sculpture on view for the first time in SAMA’s presentation.
Amalia Mesa-Bains: Queen of the Waters, Mother of the Land of the Dead: Homenaje a Tonatzin/ Guadalupe (detail), 1992; mixed media installation including fabric drape, six jeweled clocks, mirror pedestals with grottos, nicho box, found objects, dried flowers, dried pomegranate, potpourri; 120 x 216 x 72 in.; courtesy of the artist and Rena Bransten Gallery, San Francisco.
Greetings!
The City of San Antonio is honored to host the 6th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade, an event that beautifully celebrates both the vibrant culture of our city and the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. As we gather along the banks of our iconic River Walk, we are excited to welcome both visitors and locals to share in this unique celebration of life, remembrance and community.
Día de los Muertos is a cherished tradition, deeply rooted in Mexican culture and embraced by San Antonio, a city that thrives on its rich cultural heritage and diverse community. This parade is a special time for us to honor loved ones who have passed while celebrating the joy they brought to our lives.
Whether you are here for the first time or returning, we invite you to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of San Antonio during this special season and let the traditions of Día de los Muertos inspire you to reflect on the importance of family, memory and love.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful and meaningful Día de los Muertos.
Sincerely,
Ron Nirenberg Mayor
Día de los Muertos
When
the
Skeletons Come Out to Dance
By Susan Yerkes
Once a year in Mexico, the souls of deceased relatives return for a brief reunion with family. It’s Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
The iconography of death takes on a festive flair. Calaveras — rambunctious skeletons in whimsical wear — are pictured everywhere, most notably, La Catrina and Catrin — illustrations first created in 1910 by satirist José Guadalupe Posada to represent the Mexican upper class’s emulation of European customs over their own traditions. Sunny orange marigolds in brilliant profusion perfume streets and homes. Grinning sugar skulls are piled in shop windows and strings of cut-out papel picado banners flutter in the fall breeze.
Altars, or ofrendas, are made to honor the dead in private homes, with this cultural practice extending to public places. Families flock to cemeteries to decorate graves, share stories of the departed, and listen to formal Masses or strolling mariachis.
The art of the altar has become a tradition in itself. Artists and skilled artisans create beautiful, imaginative Día de los Muertos altars as public art, and costumers produce rococo skeletons in everything from canvas work clothes to tuxes and formal gowns. Makeup artists transform faces to skeletal masks as the living flirt with the apparition of death.
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is a national holiday. It has spread beyond the country's borders in the past few years. Today, you can find Día de los Muertos festivities in many U.S. cities. San Antonio, at the center of this beloved cultural celebration, where more than 60 percent of the population has roots in Mexico, observes the occasion in style.
While festivities featuring death may seem strange to some, they have occurred since recorded history began. In Mesoamerica, departed ancestors played an active role in the world, and the Gods of Death were familiar figures. Life was a dream to the Aztecs, and death was the awakening. Long before Spanish explorers reached the Americas, the Aztec goddess Mictecacihuatl (Mik-te-catchee-WA-tel) allowed spirits to travel back to the dream life on earth to visit family members in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar (approximately August), as the seasons began to change.
When Spanish priests brought Catholicism to the Americas, their All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2 converged with the native traditions and the Aztecs aligned their traditions accordingly. Their "Feast of the Little Dead Ones" was celebrated in their capital at Tenochtitlan around November 1, and the next day they observed "The Feast of the Adult Dead." Those days became what's known as Día de los Muertos today.
In Mexico today, preparations for the holiday start weeks in advance. Bakeries stock the ingredients for pan de muerto — the bread of the dead — traditionally round loaves flavored with orange and anise, often embellished with figures representing bones. Sugar skulls and papel picado appear in shops, and families gather the materials for the altars they make in their homes to welcome their ancestors' spirits.
The dead come home on a precise schedule, according to tradition — and those traditions vary, sometimes from village to village in Mexico. In some places, the souls of those who died in accidents return on October 28. But the traditional celebration begins on October 31, when the spirits of children arrive at midnight and stay for All Saints' Day on November 1. Adult ancestors arrive on All Souls’ Day, November 2. That's when many families visit the cemetery to tidy up or decorate their loved ones' graves and tell stories about their ancestors. In the end, it's all about remembrance.
"Día de los Muertos isn't about dead people, it's about remembering their spirits," said Dr. Ellen Riojas Clark, professor emerita of Bilingual and Bicultural studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio. "Their spirits — their essence — remain alive as long as you remember them. As long as you repeat their names. To remember is an act of honoring. It connects you to the ancestors who came before you and their traditions, and reminds you who you are."
BUILD YOUR OWN ALTAR
By Susan Yerkes
Altars have played key spiritual roles in many cultures since the dawn of history. Places of reverence and memory, they are the heart of Día de los Muertos. While baking pan de muerto, making sugar skulls, and cutting out papel picado require time and some skill, anyone can build an altar. There are no rules for a Día de los Muertos altar (or ofrenda, for the offerings placed on them) — each one is a unique representation of the person the altar celebrates — but consider the symbolism of specific elements used to adorn altars.
You will need:
1. A place to build your altar: Usually against a wall.
2. A base: A table, crates, boxes or stacked books, and tablecloths or colorful fabric to cover the levels. There are usually two or three, representing Earth, Heaven and, in some cases, the space between. But an ambitious altar may go up to seven tiers, representing the seven legs of the arduous journey the soul is said to travel on its way back to Earth.
3. The Four Elements — air, water, earth and fire.
• Air: Papel Picado, strung over the altar.
• Water: In a dish, glass or pitcher to quench the spirits' thirst and strengthen them for their return journey.
• Fire: A candle for each person you are honoring, or several candles to guide the spirit home. When placed in the shape of a cross, candles represent the four cardinal points.
• Earth: A feast for the dead with the fruits of the land. Include something as simple as pan de muerto and your loved one's favorite snacks, like Fritos® or a Snickers® bar. Families prepare special mole (green for children's souls, spicy for adults), and provide favorite beverages, from beer to Big Red®. Some families sit down and feast with the spirits. (The spirits are said to absorb the vapor of the food, so the living are free to eat it.)
4. Salt: Often placed in the shape of a cross, a dish of salt is said to purify and cleanse the spirits.
5. Copal: Incense purifies the air and helps spirits find their way to the altar.
6. Sugar Skulls: Sometimes gifts for the children, skulls represent the people who have passed, and the sugar symbolizes the sweetness of life.
7. Flowers: Marigolds, or cempasuchil, are traditional flowers of the dead and the scent guides the spirits home. But different colors of flowers have special meanings: white flowers represent the sky, while purple flowers are the traditional color of mourning in Mexico.
8. Photographs: Place pictures of the departed on an upper level of the altar with a candle next to it.
9. Now for the fun part: Mementos of their favorite things on Earth. Clothing, jewelry, a Spurs cap, a soccer ball, car keys, a pack of cigarettes or a favorite book — anything goes.
10. Finish your decoration by sprinkling marigold petals in a fresh path to your door.
Now, you are ready to welcome the spirits home.
Happy Día de los Muertos!
Friday, October 25, 2024
Welcome to the 6th annual Day of the Dead River Parade along the San Antonio River Walk! What better way to celebrate life and loved ones than in the heart of beautiful San Antonio, a city fast becoming the epicenter of Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States.
Each of the 25 barges on parade represents a tradition associated with Day of the Dead. See elaborately decorated barges celebrating Ofrendas, Alebrijes, Sugar Skulls, Catrinas and other cultural figures.
Day of the Dead River Parade Schedule
The parade begins at 7:00pm at the Weston Centre at 112 E. Pecan Street, and the first float is expected to travel through the Arneson River Theatre at 7:45pm.
4:00pm – River Walk closes to the general public.
5:00pm – River Walk gates open for ticket holder access to at the Arneson River Theatre and along the parade route.
6:00 to 7:00pm – The festive pre-parade show for ticket holders begins at the Arneson River Theatre.
7:00pm – Sit back and enjoy the 6th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade!
6th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade
Written
by Janis Turk, courtesy of Grupo La Gloria and Chef Johnny Hernandez
More than just a pretty River Walk, San Antonio is so spectacular that even the spirits return home each year for Day of the Dead. The memories of those who have passed before us are what Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, traditions are really all about, and the heartfelt and historic customs of the special days of remembrance take place on November 1st and 2nd each year.
VISIT SAN ANTONIO
Sponsor: Visit San Antonio
A vibrant city with real heart, San Antonio’s heritage is rich, and the confluence of diverse cultures embodies a sense of inclusivity that’s truly celebrated. Many trace their families back to Mexican, Tejano, German, Irish, Czechoslovakian, Polish and other immigrants who settled in this area and called it home. Today, San Antonio is the proud home of The Spurs and of our spring family-friendly Fiesta® celebrations. It is proud to be nicknamed “Military City USA.” San Antonio also has the unique distinction of being designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a UNESCO World Heritage Center for our Missions, and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for Day of the Dead traditions and celebrations.
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PRE-HISPANIC ORIGINS
The two hairless dogs guiding this barge are 3,500-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee") dogs, sometimes called Xolo (“showlow”) for short. The ancient Aztec dog of the gods, or Mexican hairless dogs, are often seen in Day of the Dead celebrations because pre-Hispanic legends say they guarded the living and guided souls of the dead through the dangers of the underworld ruled by the God of Death, Mictlantecuhtli, depicted as a skull with a large feathered headdress. Aztecs believed that death and life were intertwined, and symbols of death may also be symbols of life.
LA GLORIA
Sponsor: La Gloria
Courtesy of Grupo La Gloria
MARIPOSAS MONARCA
Sponsor: Go Rio Cruises
The beautiful, fat, sweet cherubs on this barge represent not only Chef Johhny Hernandez’ many famed La Gloria restaurants, but also the heavenly angels of the true La Gloria, cielo, or Heaven, which we celebrate during this 6th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade and Festival. Created by artists in Mexico, this barge reminds us of the angelic beauty that awaits us on the other side. The calavera skull cut-outs on this barge are also reminders that death is simply a part of life, not something scary and ugly, that carries us on to La Gloria!
Since pre-Hispanic times, Monarch butterflies have migrated to Mexico just when Day of the Dead is celebrated. Ancient Purépecha Indians recorded their arrival in the Sierra Madre hills above the village of Angangueo on the same date each year! These indigenous people believed that human souls do not die, but instead continue living in Mictlan, the underworld, a place for spirits to rest until they can return home to visit their relatives. In Michoacán, 300 million Monarch butterflies travel over 2,000 miles from the northeast U.S. and southeastern Canada, spending four to five months there before making their way north again. Over time, the influence of European Catholics converged with the beliefs of indigenous cultures, and so the monarchs came to be regarded as the souls of departed loved ones returning to Earth for an annual visit on Day of the Dead. 3 4
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FLOWERS
Symbols of transformation and rebirth, both flowers and butterflies hold special significance in Day of the Dead celebrations. Butterflies' migration patterns, mirroring the journey of the deceased, connect them to the afterlife. They are also considered messengers from loved ones who have passed, offering hope for peace and happiness beyond. Along with vibrant flowers, like the marigolds, which the Aztecs called cempasúchil (pronounced Thehm - pah - soo – cheel), both are often depicted in Day of the Dead art and decorations, reminders of the life cycle and the enduring bond between the living and the departed.
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GASTRONOMY
Maize, or corn, was the staple of the Aztec diet. It was so important to the Aztecs that they had a god for it, Centeotl, which translates to “God of Maize.” This year, the La Cosecha, or harvest, depicts an “altar to corn,” corn being such an important diet staple. With this barge, we offer gratitude for a bountiful harvest and pay tribute to all the chefs, hospitality workers, farmers, field workers, food distributors, grocers — and so many others worldwide — dedicating their lives in service to a better food system for all.
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AGAVE
Sponsor: Herradura
Agave has long been an agricultural treasure in Mexico, and the art of crafting tequila from the agave plant is a time-treasured ancient tradition. Jimadores use a curved, sharpened blade with a long handle to harvest mature agave plants. The agave is trimmed down to its core, or piña, which then is taken through a meticulous process in the crafting and distilling of smooth, strong tequilas. Whether in a bottle or in shot glasses, tequila is sometimes placed on Day of the Dead altars as an offering. Our spirits are lifted as we lift a glass to returning spirits.
CEMPASÚCHIL
Sponsor: Modelo
As the traditional Day of the Dead flower, the Aztec marigolds, or cempasúchil, adorn home Day of the Dead altars and, in cemeteries, line pathways to grave sites, for the flower is said to guide the spirits to their altars with their vibrant colors and sweet scent. Representing the delicate fragility of life, marigolds bring a fresh hope to this Day of the Dead celebration of the lives of loved ones now departed.
PANTEÓN
Sponsor: Soarion Credit Union
In Mexico, daytime Day of the Dead celebrations continue into the night at local panteóns, or cemeteries, where families gather to decorate their loved one’s grave with marigolds, candles, family photos and favorite foods. They then stay to have a sort of picnic there while they talk about and remember those they loved. Playing music and enjoying food and drinks carries on throughout the night. It is a striking sight to behold, and a community celebration to welcome and please the visiting spirits.
SACRED HEART
Hearts, or corazones, are a powerful symbol for Day of the Dead, reflecting the marvelous blend of pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions. In Aztec culture, the heart was the life force, believed to continue beating in the afterlife, signifying continued existence. Catholicism added a layer of meaning, with hearts often depicted with a flame or cross, symbolizing the enduring love for those who have passed. This fusion of cultural influences elevates the heart as a potent symbol of both life and love during Day of the Dead celebrations.
OFRENDA
Perhaps the single most important tradition accompanying this time of remembrance is the altar, or ofrenda. On the altar, we offer our passed loved one’s favorite foods and drinks and reminders of their lives, so they may return to meet the living again. It is also an opportunity to teach children about their ancestors, culture and history. With roots in pre-Hispanic indigenous traditions dating back more than 3,500 years, as well as later influences from European religious traditions, Day of the Dead altars place the memory of lost loved ones front and center in our homes and lives.
ARBOL DE LA VIDA
Sponsor: CPS
The Tree of Life, or Árbol de la Vida, is a beautiful and iconic symbol, and its roots in tradition grow from a confluence of indigenous and colonial influences. These trees feature a variety of symbols, animals and people on their branches, often representing nature, life, death and the afterlife. The pottery tradition, from which the Tree of Life was born, has deep roots into the iconography and art of indigenous cultures in Central Mexico. Later, the Tree of Life symbol was also embraced by Spanish colonizers in order to teach Bible stories. The Árbol de la Vida is an artistic representation of the concept that we’re all individual parts of a larger family.
LA CATRINA
La Catrina was not originally a traditional Day of the Dead figure until 1910–1913, when she first made her debut in an etching by Mexican printmaker/illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. He intended his Catrina Calavera as a political satire piece poking fun at those who put on elitist airs, big hats and fancy clothes, but who will one day be just a skeleton like everyone else. Artist Diego Rivera used the image in a popular mural he painted in Mexico City. Before long, the elegantly dressed Catrina became an iconic Day of the Dead symbol, and today San Antonio is home to the tallest Catrina Calavera statue in the United States here in Maverick Plaza at La Villita. 12 13
NAHUAL
Sponsor: Kraken Spiced Rum
Nahual comes from the Nahuatl word nahualli, which means “disguise.” They present as shape-shifting mythical creatures, and have been part of Mexican indigenous folklore for centuries. It was believed that powerful men could transform themselves into these creatures and channel their energy in evil ways. On the flipside, some believe the nahual is an animal spirt guardian of an individual determined by birth date.
ALEBRIJE
Sponsor: Animal Defense League
It all began in the 1930s during a feverish dream of a papiermâché artist, Pedro Linares, from Mexico City. In the dream, signifying death and rebirth, he encountered fantastical creatures like a donkey with butterfly wings, a lion with an eagle head, and a rooster with horns. So, he created vibrantly colored papier-mâché and cardboard figures to show others what he had seen. Soon these quirky creatures became popular throughout Mexico. Later, Oaxacan artist Manuel Jiménez Ramírez created his own alebrijes, carved in wood. Today, San Antonio is home to a collection of 33 giant alebrijes, with many found throughout La Villita. The family movie “Coco” made them even more popular with children in recent years.
AXOLOTL
These little amphibians called axolotls and salamanders are able to regrow their limbs and, therefore, are seen as symbols of rebirth and transformation. They are often depicted in art during Day of the Dead celebrations. In Aztec mythology, axolotls are linked to Xolotl (pronounced show-loct), a god of the underworld. So, when you see these guys, remember they are more than just cute creatures — they represent the circle of life, death and coming back stronger.
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SUGAR SKULLS
Sponsor: Kendra Scott
Not to be confused with the spooky skeletons of Halloween (Day of the Dead really has nothing to do with that), these skulls, or calaveras, represent rebirth into the next sweet stage of life and have ancient origins in Aztec, Mayan and Toltec traditions. In the 17th century, skulls made of sugar using a special paste known as alfeñique (pronounced al-fe- i-ke) were first popular in Spain, and later spread to Mexico. Many skulls you see on Day of the Dead altars are made of pottery, though often they are crafted from fine white sugar made in molds, which are embellished with colorful bits of foil, frosting, paint and feathers, and the names of deceased loved ones on them.
5 X H E N D E R S O N C U P R E C I P I E N T S
B E S T I N T A P P S B E S T I N T E X A S
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LA LOTERIA
Sponsor: Frost Bank
LOS JUGUETES
Sponsor: Cointreau
Loteria cards are colorful, yet simple, and for many San Antonio families they evoke fond memories. The traditional Loteria originated in Italy, spread through Spain, and was brought to Mexico in about 1769. At first it was mainly played by the colonial Mexican elite, but over time it became popular across all social classes. This game is like a Mexican Bingo game where the announcer recites a short poem or phrase suggesting the image on the card. The first to fill the game board, or tabla, shouts “Lotería!” to win the game and receive a prize. 19
Children of pre-Hispanic civilizations played with toys crafted from simple materials they found, like stones, sticks and corn husks. Today, many children in and around Mexico and San Antonio still enjoy some of the same kinds of toys their Mexican ancestors did, like the baleros, spinning tops, rag dolls and marionettes. You can find these in any traditional Mexican market, like those at Market Square in San Antonio. In Mexico, children who had passed into the afterlife were offered toys on Day of the Dead altars.
Courtesy of Grupo La Gloria
LA FIESTA
Sponsor: Amol’s
Inspired by a famous engraving by José Guadalupe Posada: "El Fandango y Francachela de Todos las Calaveras” (“The fandango dance and jamboree of all the skulls”), on this barge the party literally never ends — for these skeletons depict our deceased loved ones dancing merrily in the happy hereafter and celebrating with us tonight. In Mexico, it is common to use papier-mâché figures of skeletons and skulls to depict scenes of daily life for Day of the Dead altars, and the arches in front and back remind us of the colorful Xochimilco (pronounced so-cheemil-co) “floating garden” barges on river canals outside Mexico City.
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LA TRAJINERA
Sponsor: Pepsi
The River Walk’s barges, offering tours each day up and down the San Antonio River are reminiscent of a long history of barges floating on the Xochimilco “floating garden” canals near Mexico City. Along willow-tree lined canals, guests board a trajinera (prounounced tra-jin-er-a), or flat-bottomed boat, with colorful floral decorations on their arched fronts. Guests enjoy traditional Mexican food and drinks while they are serenaded by live mariachi music as they float along. Surrounded by music and light, our arched floats remind us of la trajineras of Mexico as they sail past the tree- and flowerfilled River Walk.
Courtesy of Grupo La Gloria
LUCHADORES
Mexican wrestling is considered one of that country’s most important cultural attractions, representing pride, passion and glory. Some say it all began in the early 1900s during the Mexican Revolution against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, while some historians claim the trend began long before that. Regardless, the folklore of Mexico makes this sport a unique spectacle. It is said that the first masks of Mexican wrestlers were inspired by the ancient Mayan and Toltec masks.
LUMINARIAS
A breathtaking centerpiece of the Day of the Dead parade, the Luminarias barge glows like countless candles, symbolizing the luminarias placed on ofrendas to light the way for wandering souls. Like the vibrant marigolds that adorn cemetery paths and altars, these candles honor pre-Hispanic cultures that revered the sun as a sacred deity. Each flickering flame serves as a guiding light, helping spirits find their way home. Together, the luminarias create a luminous tribute, celebrating the intricate dance of life, death and our deep ancestral connections.
24 AIRPORT
Sponsor: HMSHost
This barge celebrates the art-filled space of the dynamic San Antonio International Airport, featuring two terminals covering 2,305 acres with three runways and serving an average of 260 arrivals each day at its 24 gates, which currently features 12 airlines flying non-stop to 53 destinations in the US and Mexico and even Germany. Serving about 10 million passengers annually, the airport was first built in 1941 as a military base but became a commercial airport in 1953. In 2020, the San Antonio International Airport earned several coveted awards for customer service and was also recognized as one of the best airports in the world for exceptional customer experience in 2022. While at the airport, be sure to get a taste of San Antonio at any of Chef Johnny Hernandez’s three restaurants there. You’ll know you’ve landed in San Antonio when you catch a whiff of fine local foods the moment you get off the plane!
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VISIT SAN ANTONIO
Sponsor: Visit San Antonio
As the first boat returns to conclude our parade, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this special celebration. We hope you enjoyed the beauty, tradition and spirit of Día de los Muertos on the San Antonio River. We look forward to welcoming you back to San Antonio, the premier destination in the US for honoring the Day of the Dead. May the memories of your loved ones continue to shine brightly, just like the marigolds that guide us. ¡Gracias y nos vemos el próximo año!
Friday, November 29, 2024
Purchase your tickets for our annual spectacle featuring more than 25 beautifully illuminated floats and entertainment, along with over 100,000 holiday lights that brighten the River Walk from sundown to sunrise.
The Tallest Catrina in the USA!
The tallest Catrina Calavera statue in the United States, crafted by a collective of artists from Artsumex in Mexico, is prominently displayed in Maverick Plaza at La Villita. This impressive installation, created for the 6th Annual Day of the Dead festival, reaches nearly 39 feet in height, making it the second tallest Catrina in the world. Commissioned by Chef Johnny Hernandez and unveiled by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, the statue serves to celebrate Día de los Muertos while strengthening community connections to Mexican heritage. The primary artists behind this work, brothers Jesus and Amauri Sanabria, are committed to preserving traditional Mexican art forms through vibrant papel picado and papel maché creations. La Catrina, originally introduced in a 1910 cartoon by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, uses humor and satire to symbolize the celebration of life amidst death, reminding us that mortality transcends social status. La Catrina stands, butterfly in hand, overlooking the 3-day Day of the Dead Festival taking place in La Villita this year from October 25-27,
ía de los Muertos Tradition Trail
An Alebrije is a brightly colored, fantastical creature made from wood or paper. They are usually a mix of different animals and are known for their vibrant colors and imaginative designs. Alebrijes are often seen as spirit guides or
A Calavera, or "sugar skull," is a decorative skull used during Día de los Muertos, made of sugar or clay and painted with vibrant colors. It honors deceased loved ones, celebrating their lives with joy and color in a festive, symbolic tradition.
Lta rs
An Ofrenda (or "altar") is created during Día de los Muertos to honor deceased loved ones. It includes photos, candles, marigolds, food and items they enjoyed, meant to welcome their spirits back for a day of celebration with the living.
Terms and Conditions: The grand prize includes an opportunity for two people to ride on one of the parade boats during the Day of the Dead River Parade on Friday, October 25, 2024, along with a family four-pack of tickets to enjoy the parade. To enter, all submissions must be received by October 20, 2024. The winner will be notified by October 21, 2024. Please note that the winner is responsible for their own travel and accommodations to and within San Antonio, as these are not included with the prize. The winner must be 18 years of age or older. This prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other value.
DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION
Journey through Tradition
Let the River Walk lead you on a traditional journey to celebrate Día de los Muertos! As you explore, discover mythical Alebrijes, festive Calaveras and commemorative Altars, each showcasing the deep cultural significance of this beloved holiday.
Embark on an excursion to find these cultural treasures.
Celebrate life, culture and the rich heritage of Día de los Muertos!
FIND THEM NEAR These Locations
The Many Traditions of Día de los Muertos
The Largest Day of the Dead Celebrations in the Country are in San Antonio
Welcome to San Antonio, home to the grandest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the entire United States. Whether you're a newcomer to the enchanting tradition of Day of the Dead or a seasoned veteran who has joyously partaken in its festivities for countless years, San Antonio has endless opportunities to join in commemorating this extraordinary celebration of life.
BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM
Community Ofrenda
October 3 – November 4: 10:00am to 5:00pm www.BriscoeMuseum.org
Briscoe’s Community Ofrenda is a heartfelt tribute to loved ones from both the museum’s staff and extended community. Guests and members are invited to bring photos, mementos and personal offerings to contribute to this vibrant display of remembrance and celebration. The ofrenda will be available for viewing and participation during regular museum hours.
Day of the Dead Painting Activity with Renee Latapi-Gamez
October 27: 1:30 to 4:30pm www.BriscoeMuseum.org
Drop in for a fun and free sugar skull painting activity led by local artist Renee Latapi-Gamez. Get creative with 4” X 4” canvases as you learn how to paint your own sugar skull to take home! Make your masterpiece while you wait for your Pinata class session or come paint after your session. You can leave your masterpiece to dry while you explore the museum. All supplies are included. Free with museum admission.
Day of the Dead Piñata Class with Adriana Gamez
October 27: 1:00 to 2:30pm & 3:00 to 4:30pm www.BriscoeMuseum.org
Join us for a special Piñata class with local artist Adriana Gamez as she guides participants in creating vibrant sugar skull piñatas. All supplies are included and light refreshments will be served. Space is limited - One ticket per person (adult or child). Your ticket also includes museum admission.
EL CAMINO DE SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS
Día de los Muertos at the Missions
October 12 – November 15: 9:00am to 5:00pm www.CaminoSanAntonio.org
San Antonio has the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America, with five in total, all recognized as the only World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Each Mission Church parish community — Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada — has created an altar as a way to honor, remember and celebrate their mission ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. Visitors can view the altars individually or choose to participate in the El Camino de San Antonio Missions, a pilgrimage in partnership with Spain’s El Camino de Santiago de Compostela, and hike the 20-mile trail to be immersed in San Antonio’s rich history and culture.
SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART
Emma Tenayuca Ofrenda Unveiling
October 22: 5:30 to 7:00pm www.SAMuseum.org
SAMA presents an ofrenda designed by Amalia Mesa-Bains in honor of Emma Tenayuca, a San Antonian labor and civil rights activist known for her central role in the Pecan-Shellers’ Strike of 1938.
TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
SUGAR SKULL! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure
October 22: 7:30 to 9:30pm www.TobinCenter.org
This bilingual/bicultural musical for young audiences and families uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-yearold Vita Flores who finds herself on a magical, musical journey to unravel the meaning of Día de los Muertos — a true celebration of San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage.
Courtesy of Grupo La Gloria Courtesy of Grupo La Gloria
RIVER WALK & LA VILLITA
Day of the Dead River Parade and Festival Parade: October 25: 7:00pm Festival:
October 25: 6:00 to 10:00pm
October 26: 10:00 am to 10:00pm
October 27: 10:00am to0 5:00pm www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com
There is no better place to join in the Day of the Dead festivities than at the 6th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade, where 25 decorated barges cruise through the heart of the Downtown River Walk. Ticketed seating is available at the Arneson River Theatre and along the River Walk. You can even reserve riverside seating at restaurants for dinner, drinks and a magnificent show!
The parade is part of the Day of the Dead Festival at historic La Villita with music, food, dancing, art, crafts and other fun unfolding in San Antonio's oldest neighborhood. Stop in to see a collection of colossal calaveras and enormous alebrijes — brightly colored Mexican fantastical folkart sculptures — created by talented artists from Mexico City. You will also enjoy ofrendas, or altars — including San Antonio’s largest in La Villita — along with a 38.5 foot-tall Catrina sculpture — the tallest Catrina in the U.S.! This laughing, smiling skeleton is a symbol of Día de los Muertos. This exhibit is on view October 21-27, and is free for public viewing.
Courtesy of Grupo La Gloria
Courtesy of Grupo La Gloria
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
HEMISFAIR PARK
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
October 26: 10:00am to 11:00pm
October 27: 12:00pm to 9:00pm
www.MuertosFest.com
This beloved festival returns for its 12th annual celebration when everyone can immerse themselves in the traditions and joyful remembrance of Día de los Muertos. The centerpiece of the celebration is the creation of altars, known as ofrendas, which are elaborately decorated with marigolds, candles, photos and offerings to honor the deceased. The atmosphere is both festive and reverent, with families and artists coming together to create stunning displays that reflect personal memories and cultural traditions. The festival serves as a platform to highlight local artists, artisans and vendors, making it a true San Antonio celebration.
HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE
Día de los Muertos at Market Square
October 26 & 27: 10:00am to 6:00pm www.MarketSquareSA.com
This event will feature cultural activities, traditional altars, face painting, live music and more. One of the highlights will be the “Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession,” a mesmerizing display of dance and storytelling that will take place both days from 1:00 to 2:00pm. Witness the dancers as they bring to life the spirit of the ancestors with colorful costumes and rhythmic movements. This event is open to all ages and is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and community spirit that Día de los Muertos represents.
SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL
Día de los Muertos Festival
October 26: 12:00pm to 12:00am www.SFCathedral.org
San Fernando Cathedral’s first annual Día de los Muertos event will include arts and crafts booths, music, food, aguas frescas and adult drinks.
THE HISTORIC PEARL
Hotel Emma Altar
October 27 – November 4
Día de los Muertos Dinner
November 1: 6:00pm www.AtPearl.com
Hotel Emma, the prestigious Five-Diamond hotel and recent recipient of a MICHELIN Two-Key rating, will host its annual Día de los Muertos celebration. The centerpiece of the event is a stunning traditional altar adorned with fresh marigold flowers in honor of Emma Koehler, the hotel's namesake and former leader of the Pearl Brewery. As part of the festivities, Hotel Emma will also present its highly anticipated annual Día de los Muertos dinner, offering guests an exclusive culinary experience that blends luxury with cultural significance. Tickets are $130/person.
Pearl Day of the Dead Procession and Catrin & Catrina Contest
November 2: 5:00 to 9:00pm
www.AtPearl.com
The main celebration at Pearl will feature a number of altars displayed around campus including Hotel Emma, Pearl’s Shaded Structure and, for the first time ever, Pullman Market. The event will also showcase local artists and performers, a Catrin and Catrina Costume Contest, a Day of the Dead procession around Pearl, a beautiful Tzompantli art installation featuring 30 hand-painted skulls by artist Regina Moya and two large alebrijes by artist Mauro de la Tierra made of recycled materials, and live entertainment by the UIW student mariachi group and a grand finale performance by Azul.
Pullman Market
Mezcalaria Altar: October 21-31
Día de los Muertos Brunch at Mezquite: November 4 www.PullmanMarket.com
Pullman Market is thrilled to announce the first ever installation of its Día de los Muertos altar at the Mezcalaria, featuring live mariachi music, beautifully crafted altars and a lively costume contest in the courtyard. Attendees can also enjoy festive face painting, making it a perfect outing for families and friends. The festivities continue with a Día de los Muertos brunch at Mezquite.
Food Hall at Bottling Department Presents MONSTER MASH
October 30: 5:00 to 9:00pm www.AtPearl.com
Join the fun at Pearl Park for a graveyard smash at the very first MONSTER MASH with SoundCream, and get ready to dance the night away with spooky beats, wicked good vibes and plenty of tricks & treats. The event is free and open to the public.
CASA NAVARRO STATE HISTORIC SITE
Calaveras Poem Workshop
October 29: 6:00 to 8:00pm www.THC.Texas.gov/historic-sites/ casa-navarro
Learn how to craft your own literary work in the spirit of fun. Bring your family and friends, a coworker or a date, and experience the fun of this light-hearted comedic art form! This event is included with museum admission. Advance registration not required.
RUBY CITY
Día de los Muertos Altar by Audrya Flores
October 31: 10:00am to 6:00pm www.RubyCity.org
San Antonio artist Audrya Flores will create an altar in Ruby City’s Plaza. Flores creates ephemeral sculptures and installations often using natural elements such as plant cuttings.
SAN ANTONIO ZOO
Day of the Dead Pet Altar
November 1-2
www.SAZoo.org
For more celebration and remembrance, head to the San Antonio Zoo, November 1-2, to honor and remember the animals we love and cherish, including beloved family pets and animal residents at the San Antonio Zoo. Everyone can bring a framed photo of their pet to display on the temporary animal ofrenda. Viewing during Zoo hours.
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones
November 2: 3:00 to 10:00pm www.MissionMarquee.com
The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office invites you to join us for Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones, a special community event honoring loved ones. Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, food and more. All are welcome to join and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Submit digital photos of past loved ones to honor in our remembrance slideshow featured on the Mission Marquee Plaza big screen. Photo Submission Deadline: Tuesday, October 22.
3:00pm – Blessing and Procession: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission San Jose Granary, 6701 San Jose Dr., San Antonio, TX 78214
4:00to10:00pm– Entertainment, music, activities, remembrance slideshow, a film screening of “The Book of Life” and more. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, TX 78214
CENTRO CULTURAL AZTLAN
47th Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit: Altares y Ofrendas
November 2-7: 12:00pm to 6:00pm www.CentroAztlan.org
This event illustrates the artistic, cultural and religious facets of this popular pre-Columbian Mexican tradition where death is seen as a natural part of life and this reality is approached with humor and celebration. Join us for an in-gallery tour of cultural traditions, history and artistic celebration, altars by local artists and our annual “Avenida de los Muertos” artisan market featuring some of the most noted artists and makers in San Antonio.
Discover the unique holiday charms of San Antonio, where every corner tells a story. From the vibrant River Walk to Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, experience a rich blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Cowboy cultures. Visit San Antonio and find authenticity at every turn. Plan a truly memorable trip now at VisitSanAntonio.com
