San
Antonio celebrates Dia de los Muertos
San Antonio Texas hosts the largest Dia de los Muertos (Day
of the Dead) celebrations outside of Mexico. Sometimes mistaken for a colourful
alternative to Halloween, this is an entirely different occasion. The Dia
de Muertos is a joyous family celebration of the lives of loved ones dating
back to pre-Columbian Mexican times. It involves parades, traditional
Mexican dress and the building of ‘ofrendas’ or altars to honour the
departed. There are no less than seven major Dia de los Muertos parades
and celebrations throughout the Festival period in San Antonio running loosely
from October 25 through to November 7th.
The spectacular Day of the Dead River Parade takes place on
October 25th and is perhaps the most iconic, and truly ‘San Antonio’
event. Because the River Walk is the heart of the city and what draws the
diverse communities of San Antonio together, it is the perfect back drop for
any celebration. The night parade of river barges is an explosion of colourful
joy. Catarinas (the most recognised symbol of Day of the Dead – the beautiful
‘skeleton dolls’) wave to the crowds, some barges are designed as
floating alters, others include the ‘newer’ tradition of Alebrijes – fantastical
animals, and of course the obligatory sugar skulls bedeck every spare foot of
space. All is colour, lights and joyful music.
The original settlement area of San Antonio, known as La
Villita has a Day of Dead Festival which runs October 25-27 2024. This is
a wonderful way to for visitors to immerse themselves in the celebrations, with
concerts, face painting, alter workshops, artisan markets, a giant alebrije
exhibition and so much more.
Named one of the ‘best fall festivals in the USA’ by
National Geographic Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair is in its twelfth
year. Celebrating on October 26&27 in 2024 This is a real family
affair with workshops for the kids, 5 stages of live music, over 80 alters and
a spectacular procession taking place on Saturday evening at 7pm and Sunday
afternoon at 3pm.
No visit to San Antonio is complete without time spent at
Historic Market Square. This are is considered the true Mexican heart if the
city with its wonderful restaurants, shops, stalls and the Mexican market
itself. This is always a buzzing area with live musicians playing in the
plaza area, but during Day of the Dead Festival they really turn up the tempo
with traditional alters, face painting, traditional dance displays and amazing
food to experience.
For those looking for the most traditional day of the Dead
immersive experiences explore;
Dia de los Muertos at Esperanza Peace & Justice Center
on November 1st honours the ancestors with community alters as well
as music, face painting, delicious Mexican foods to sample and also literary
readings plus a lively procession through this traditional neighbourhood…
Everybody dance!
Or finally ‘Altares y Ofrendas’ at Centro Cultural
Aztlan November 2-7. This is one of the city’s longest running Dia de los
Muertos celebrations. The event illustrates the artistic, cultural and
religious traditional of the festival focusing on death as a natural part of
life and commemorated with humour, joy and love shown by the placing of food,
photographs, personal effects and marigolds on alters dedicated to those that
have passed over. See alters created by local artists as well as the annual
‘Avenida de los Muertos’ Artisan market.