The Halloween season in San Antonio offers more than just haunted houses, hayrides, and costume parties. Many people will also be taking part in Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead or activities, paying tribute to deceased friends and family by creating ofrendas, or altars, filled with photos, personal effects, marigolds, and even pan de muerto (bread of the dead).
This fall, there are many large festivals and smaller, more intimate observances of el Día de los Muertos around San Antonio. Here are a few to check out:
Mission San José ofrendas
Daily through November 2 from 9 am to 5 pm
Visitors to the historic Spanish mission have a chance to view ofrendas made by descendants of the original settlers of the South Side missions. 6701 San Jose Drive, free admission.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Through November 4, museum hours
This downtown museum is inviting community members to contribute copies of photos of lost loved ones and personal offerings for an altar that will focus on honoring influential figures in Western art and the American West. Additionally, Día de los Muertos-themed crafts are available for those who would like to participate on the afternoon of October 27. 210 W. Market St., museum admission varies.
Day of the Dead Festival and River Parade
October 25-27, times vary
La Villita will be the place to be for San Antonio’s annual Day of the Dead Festival and River Parade. A nearly 39-foot tall Catrina (skeleton doll) statue — the largest in the United States — will easily capture the attention of festival attendees. There, they can enjoy music, food, an artisans market, ofrendas, a colorful exhibit of alebrijes, or “spirit animals,”and artistic workshops for the whole family. Texmaniacs, Los Navaira, and Ballet Folklorico Sol de San Antonio are headlining the musical acts. On the evening of October 25, people will line up along the River Walk to see elaborately decorated floats with altars, catrinas, and costumed riders during the river parade. Parade seating at Arneson River Theater reserved, free admission to La Villita.
Muertos Fest
October 26-27, times vary
This two-day annual Dia de los Muertos festival will feature 80-plus original altars, and five music stages spread across Hemisfair. Visitors can also enjoy an art market, food, workshops, and a traditional procession each early evening. Scheduled musical performers include the recently reunited band Girl in a Coma, La Santa Cecilia, Santiago Jimenez, Piñata Protest, Jesse Borrego y Tribe, and Mariachis Campanas de America. 434 S. Alamo St., free admission.
Market Square
October 26-27, 10 am to 6 pm
Visitors to Market Square will enjoy plenty of Día de los Muertos activities and scenes, including Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession, a display of dance and storytelling that will happen 1-2 pm each day. Visitors may also check out themed altars that will be visible across Market Square daily though November 3. 514 W. Commerce St., free admission.
Rinconcito de Esperanza
October 28 to November 2, times vary
Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will present its annual Dia de los Muertos program, complete with traditional marigolds, community altars and offerings, face painting, food, music, and more. Attendees may bring flowers, candles, and reprinted photos of lost loved ones they wish to honor. Additionally, members of MujerArtes Cooperativa de Esperanza will hold their yearly Día de los Muertos exhibit and sale of hand-crafted art works. Visitors are also invited to join a short procession from Rinconcito to the Alázan-Apache Courts development and back. 816 Colorado St., free admission.
Pullman Market's Muertos at Mezquite
October 31 to November 3, times vary
The newest culinary destination at Pearl is kicking off its own Dia de los Muertos program with Muertos at Mezquite. It'll feature delicious bites and drinks inspired by Sonoran regional cuisine, live music, DJs, face painting, costume contests, a celebration of life brunch, and more. Pullman Market will also showcase its first Día de los Muertos ofrenda at the Mezcaleria beginning October 23. 221 Newell Ave., free admission.
Pearl
Saturday, November 2 from 5-9 pm
Pearl’s main Dia de los Muertos celebration features seven altars displayed around the campus including at Hotel Emma, Pullman Market, and a community altar under Pearl’s shade structure. There will also be a showcase of altars by Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Hawthorne Academy, and the Mexican consulate; a Tzompantli art installation with 30 hand-painted skulls by artist Regina Moya; and two large alebrijesby artist Mauro de la Tierra made of recycled materials. Additionally, there will be a Catrin and Catrina costume contest, kids’ art activities, face painting, a procession around Pearl, and performances by the University of Incarnate Word student mariachi and by musician Azul. 303 Pearl Pkwy., free admission.
San Antonio Cultural Arts
Saturday, November 2 from 6-9 pm
SACA’s Dia de los Muertos event involves plenty of culturally rich remembrance activities, murals by young local artists, refreshments, and a short procession to nearby Trinity Convenience Store and back. 2120 El Paso St., free admission.