Celebrate Life and Legacy: Experience Día de los Muertos at Pearl

Ofrenda at Pearl Día de los Muertos. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO – Pearl‘s annual Día de los Muertos celebration is returning to San Antonio this weekend, with a promise of unique experiences for visitors and community to enjoy across the destination on Saturday and Sunday. From beautiful ofrendas, catrinas, alebrijes crafted by local artists, to live performances and special events, visitors will have a slate of activities to look forward to for those looking to celebrate the deep-rooted traditions of Día de los Muertos. (Pearl, 2024)

The celebration kicks off on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 5p.m. – 9p.m. featuring several art installations displayed around Pearl’s 22-acre footprint, including Hotel Emma, a community altar under Pearl’s Shade Structure and, for the first time ever, Pullman Market. 

Also to be showcased is a beautiful Tzompantli art installation featuring 30 hand painted skulls by San Antonio artist Regina Moya, and two large alebrijes by local artist Mauro de la Tierra, made of recycled materials.

Programming for the day will include a Catrin and Catrina Costume Contest, children’s art activities, face painting, a Día de los Muertos procession around Pearl, and performances by the University of Incarnate Word student mariachi and a grand finale performance by Azul.

Full Schedule:

Saturday, November 2, 2024
5p.m. Día de los Muertos at Pearl kicks off with live entertainment,
vendors and pop-ups
5p.m.-8p.m. Alebrije & Lelé Doll Workshops (Pearl’s Shade Structure)
6:15p.m. Día de los Muertos Procession by Las Monas & Son Olvidados
9p.m. Event Ends

Sunday, November 3, 2024
10a.m.-12p.m. Lelé Doll Workshop Opens (Pearl’s Shade Structure)
5p.m.-5:10p.m. Event Opening by Master of Ceremonies Michael Quintanilla
5:15p.m.-6p.m. Performance by UIW Mariachi & Lizeth Robledo
6:05p.m.-7:10p.m. DJ Steven Lee Moya
7:15p.m.-7:45p.m. Procession by Las Monas & Son Olvidados
7:15p.m.-7:45p.m. DJ Steven Lee Moya
7:45p.m.-7:55p.m. Catrin & Catrina Contest
8p.m.-9p.m. Azul Barrientos Closing Performance

“Pearl has been committed to celebrating Día de los Muertos in an authentic and respectful way including our community of artists since our inception, helping to nurture it into the vibrant citywide celebration that has become an integral part of San Antonio’s cultural landscape. Each year, we look forward to curating unique experiences where visitors and the community come together in collective remembrance, celebrating the beauty and depth of this tradition in an authentic way.” – Silver Ventures CMO Michael Joergensen.

Hotel Emma Halloween Cocktail Party – Thursday, October 31, 2024
Join Hotel Emma’s Halloween Cocktail Party on October 31 from 6p.m. – 9p.m. This spirited gathering will showcase delightful collaborations with three esteemed local bar teams: The Bar at Mixtli, Pastiche, and Atlee’s Rally. Guests can indulge in offerings featuring El Tequileno, Los Siete Misterios, and Desert Door Sotol. Tickets are available for $50, which includes two drink tokens and one food token. Attendees can anticipate an evening filled with door prizes, lively music, and festive Halloween activities. The excitement continues with an after-party at Pastiche. More information and tickets are available here.

Hotel Emma Altar & Dia de los Muertos Dinner – Friday, November 1
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 on November 1, 2024. 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. This exquisite ofrenda pays homage to Emma’s enduring legacy and is on display now until Wednesday, November 4. 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 on Friday, November 1. There will be a reception from 6p.m. – 7p.m. with dinner taking place from 7p.m.-9p.m. Tickets are $130 / person. More information and tickets are available here.

Pullman Market
Pullman Market is thrilled to announce the first ever installation of its Día de los Muertos altar at the Mezcalaria, beginning October 21, 2024. The celebration will continue across Pullman Market on October 31st, 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 through Monday, November 4 with a Dia de los Muertos brunch at Mezquite.

Food Hall at Bottling Department Presents MONSTER MASH
October 30, 2024 at Pearl Park
Join the fun at Pearl Park for a graveyard smash at the very first MONSTER MASH with SoundCream, presented by Food Hall at Bottling Department. 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 from 5p.m. to 9p.m.

Sip & Savor: Your Guide to San Antonio Tastings

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is hosting Trades of the West. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Mezcal and whisky aficionados are passionate explorers of their respective spirits, each drawn to the unique qualities and histories of these liquors. Mezcal enthusiasts enjoy the smoky, complex flavors that come from agave plants and traditional production methods in Mexico. They appreciate the spirit’s artisanal craftsmanship and regional variations. Whisky connoisseurs, on the other hand, are captivated by the diverse profiles of whiskies, whether Scotch, bourbon, or rye. They savor the nuances brought out by different cask types, aging processes, and regional influences. Both groups celebrate their spirits with deep knowledge, often engaging in tastings, collecting rare bottles, and discussing intricate details of production.

So if you like mezcal or whisky, or both, there will be two tastings in the San Antonio area that you might want to put on your calendar for Thursday August 22. One is a pop-up at Pullman Market of Gran Maizal, a new Mexican whisky and the other is a Trade Talks – The Art, Culture and Craft of Mezcal at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. (Pullman Market, Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

Details on each:

GRAN MAIZAL, a new Mexican whisky made with ancient corn varieties from the Yucatan Peninsula, is debuting in Texas and offering a tasting opportunity during a pop-up at Pullman Market on Thursday, August 22, from 6p.m. – 8p.m.

Made entirely at Destileria La Vibora in Yucatan, Mexico, the character emanates from thousands of years of Mesoamerican culture proudly passed on from one generation to the next – balanced notes of toasted corn, cured vanilla bean and pure cacao. Practices which are unique to Gran Maizal include the use of the Nal T’eel ancient corn variety, which is considered to be among the oldest. In addition, the whisky rests in handmade terracotta vessels to preserve the nixtamalized maize character while balancing with toasted wood.

Guests are invited to visit The Mezcaleria, centrally located at Pullman Market, for a unique opportunity to sample this distinctive whisky and meet co-founder Gonzalo de la Pezuela. Discover the rich heritage behind the brand while enjoying the exclusive, limited-time cocktail, “Maiz y Caña,” featuring Gran Maizal, Uruapan Charanda Añejo, tamarind, and grapefruit.

The Mezcaleria at Pullman Market
221 Newell Ave
San Antonio, TX 78215

GRAN MAIZAL. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Trade Talks – Trades of the West: The Art, Culture and Craft of Mezcal with Bruxo Founders Santiago Barreiro and Luis Edwardo Manrique and Flavors from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana

Thursday, August 22, 6p.m. – 9 p.m., $60 per person, $30 for Briscoe members
Must be 21 and older to attend.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Experience the cool flavors of summer in this informative, educational and immersive program celebrating mezcal and the flavors of Mexico. Hear from the founders of Bruxo Mezcal as they share their stories about the people and the process of distilling this time-honored drink while enjoying samples paired with paired with traditional Oaxacan flavors through small plates of mole, bichos (bugs) and more, with a dash of sal de gusano – agave worm salt. Everyone will also enjoy light bites and small plates from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana. Advanced purchased tickets are required and include the program, mezcal tasting, light bites, small plates, and specialty cocktails featuring Bruxo Mezcal, including the Mezcal Mule and Paloma Mezcal.

Pullman Market opens at Pearl in San Antonio

The highly anticipated destination centered around Texas food and local agriculture features a specialty grocer, tortilleria, bakery, quick-service eatery, restaurants, and more. Photo: Robert Lerma, used with permission.

There is always something new and exciting going on at Pearl. From the farmers market to restaurants and special events, guests have a variety of of shopping and dining options. Some of my most memorable moments in San Antonio took place there. Today, I’m happy to share that today, Pullman Market is making its grand debut.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group’s Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, opens at Pearl on Tuesday, April 23. Visitors will be able to enjoy the market’s specialty grocer, featuring Texas-based produce and goods from over 150 suppliers throughout the state. Two of the market’s four restaurants, Fife & Farro and Mezquite, are also set to open on April 23. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2024)

“Pullman Market is the first project of its kind in San Antonio and the region. We’re most excited about providing a space for guests to get a taste of the ideals that make this city great: community, hospitality and high-quality food. There’s something for everyone at Pullman Market. You can grab a quick bite, stay awhile at one of our restaurants, discover fresh local ingredients or grab something premade to make mealtime easy – knowing it’s all been sourced with a commitment to quality and sustainability in an effort to offer the best we can for our community.” – Kevin Fink, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group Partner

The 40,000-square-foot market is located in the former Samuels Glass Company headquarters at Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge and interior design firm Joel Mozersky Design.

Pullman Market celebrates everything food related and is about creating easier relationships between local producers and the community. The specialty market features over 150 Texas vendors supplying fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, beer, and more. The market also features a retail section with a selection of locally sourced home and beauty goods, chef supplies, toys and more, as well as a high-quality grab-and-go meal case. Visitors will also be able to pick up provisions from the on-site tortilleria and sourdough bakery.

In addition to the specialty market, Pullman Market features five casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, tacos, ceviche, sandwiches, coffee and ice cream, the latter of which includes flavors created by award-winning pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Pullman Market also includes four restaurant concepts, two of which will open on April 23: Fife & Farro and Mezquite.

Fife & Farro is a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in wood-fired sourdough pizza and handmade heritage grain pasta. Fife & Farro is open for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Monday and Tuesday and for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Mezquite focuses on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico, with a dedicated mezcal bar named Mezcaleria. Mezquite and Mezcaleria are open for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Thursday-Tuesday and for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. on Wednesday.

The remaining Pullman Market full-service restaurants, Isidore and Nicosi, are scheduled to open later this spring. Isidore will feature an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly, highlighting the best ingredients of the season. Nicosi, created by Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 20 seats and a no-phone policy. Stay tuned for an opening announcement in the coming weeks.

Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215. The market’s operating hours are 8a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable – both built in 1894 – and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where the community gathers to play, work and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group announces Pullman Market at Pearl

Pullman Market is a new 40,000 square market opening at Pearl in the spring of 2024. It will feature Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group announced this month that Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, is slated to open at Pearl in San Antonio, Texas, in Spring 2024. The sprawling 40,000-square-foot market will feature four full-service restaurants, quick casual concepts, a robust wine and beer selection, Texas-based produce and specialties, and a seasonal bakery and fresh pasta program. Pullman Market will open in spring 2024 and will be located at 221 Newell Ave. Stay tuned for more details concerning opening date. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2023)

“We are excited to create a new, unique culinary experience that represents all of Texas for locals and travelers alike. Pullman Market is a place to celebrate all things food. You can grab a quick bite or stay a while at one of our restaurants. You can discover high-quality ingredients for dinner or grab something premade to make mealtime easy. Pullman is about creating easier relationships with local food and producers, a relationship that is often reserved for high-end restaurants or weekend farmers markets, and we are excited to share it with the community.” – Kevin Fink

Pullman Market will be located in Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms, Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge. 

Pullman Market is set to unveil four full-service restaurants, including Fife & Farro, a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in homemade pizza and pasta; Mezquite, a restaurant and mezcal bar focusing on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico; Isidore, an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly; and Nicosi, created by award-winning Pastry Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 18 seats and a no-phone policy. In addition to the four restaurants, Pullman Market will offer a grocery featuring Texas-based produce and seasonal specialties along with casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, ice cream, tacos, sandwiches, ceviche, coffee and more. 

“Pullman Market is a wonderful complement to the vibrant culinary, retail, and cultural landscape that defines Pearl today. The success of our Pearl Farmers Market the past 14 years shows that our neighborhood supports local farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts. With Pullman Market, we are excited to provide a space where residents and guests can connect to these experiences daily, in addition to our weekend Farmers Market.” – Mesha Milsap, Pearl CEO

Led by partners Kevin Fink, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Alicynn Fink, Berty Richter, and Rand Egbert, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group is a Texas-based restaurant group that manages seven renowned restaurant concepts including Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Kalimotxo, Canje and Ezov in Austin as well as Ladino, located at Pearl in San Antonio. The team will also be partnering with Tom Schnuck, the son of the co-founder and co-manager of a restaurant group who also assisted and invested in young chefs to create many successful restaurants that collectively hold five Michelin stars.