This November, San Antonio, will host a new heritage festival marking Día de Los Muertos, Mexico’s holiday of remembrance. The City of San Antonio, Visit San Antonio and Day of the Dead San Antonio have partnered to launch Day of the Dead San Antonio, a citywide celebration destined to become a new tradition. Beyond a three-day festival to be hosted in La Villita from Friday November 1 through Sunday November 3, Day of the Dead San Antonio creates an official period of Día de los Muertos observation across the city, bringing authentic Mexican traditions to San Antonio and inviting residents and visitors to join in the festivities. (City of San Antonio, 2019)

Day of the Dead San Antonio, presented by H-E-B, offers an inclusive and diverse slate of events for the entire city. From a new River Walk parade to lectures, museum exhibitions, festivals, live music and performances, a 5K race and more, Day of the Dead San Antonio brings Mexican traditions to San Antonio to celebrate culture, family and life. Day of the Dead San Antonio’s activities will reach across the city to educate, enlighten and entertain.

Highlights of the festival include “Catrineras on the River”, a new river parade illuminating the San Antonio River with the spirit of the Day of the Dead. Co-hosted by official parade partner Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, Catrineras on the River will feature more than 22 barges spotlighting local San Antonio organizations, with local children aboard many of the barges. This first-ever river parade will feature custom-made barges that mirror the colorful, flat-bottom gondola-like traijneras in Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just south of Mexico City.

The river parade also serves as the grand opening of Day of the Dead San Antonio, launching the festival with a special ceremony afloat a barge on the San Antonio River. Mariachis and Day of the Dead dancers portraying La Danza de Los Mojigangas will fill the Arneson River Theater as part of the kick-off. Mojigangas, or giant dancing puppet figures, are a traditional part of Day of the Dead celebrations, providing the perfect start to the Day of the Dead San Antonio festival in La Villita.

From November 1 through 3, everyone can join in the festivities in La Villita Historic Art Village. Visitors can experience the picturesque Altar de Muertos, have their faces painted with traditional calavera designs and immerse themselves in the experiences surrounding the Day of the Dead. Among the decorations on display in La Villita will be 15 giant skulls painted by local artists and businesses to add a special local touch. Decorated skull sculptures will line downtown’s Houston Street, turning it into Mexicraneos Street, leading revelers to Frost Tower.

Traditions and art are woven throughout Day of the Dead San Antonio. A Catrina depicting Selena will reign over the Day of the Dead festivities from her customized altar at the corner of S. Alamo and Market Streets. Standing more than 8 feet tall and adorned with more than 2 million beads, the Catrina was handcrafted by more than 40 indigenous Huichol artisans in Mexico and took two months to produce. There will be fifteen more Catrines and Catrinas displayed across the city.

Day of the Dead San Antonio links San Antonio with Mexico’s enduring Día de Los Muertos traditions, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This bridging of cultural heritage will build upon the city’s profile as a place of historic richness, enduring traditions, memorable tastes and unforgettable hospitality.

“…The Day of the Dead celebration will be a time for San Antonio to celebrate our ancestors, community, heritage and neighbors. As we look forward to a holiday that’s focused on the memories we’ve created, I look forward to the memories our community will create through this celebration for years to come.”- San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg