There are just a few celebrations throughout the year that have unquestionably become staple holidays for San Antonians — Fiesta, Christmas, and Día de los Muertos. Also known, Day of the Dead, this holiday is celebrated in remembrance of the departed not only in Mexico but in many parts of North America as well. The Alamo city is no exception + is gearing up for one of the largest celebrations yet.
Here’s what to expect this year —
- Join in on grandiose processions + festivities accompanied by large-scale puppet performances
- Eat and drink all the sugar skulls, tamales, pan dulce, and champurrado you can 🍭
- Dress up like Catrines (men) and Catrinas (women), or elegant skeleton figures
Excited to eat all the pan de muerto + visit an ofrenda or two? Check out these Día de los Muertos events happening around the city —
🕯️ Altares + Exhibitions
- Frida Kahlo Oasis: Día de los Muertos Closing Celebration | Mon., Nov. 1-Tues. Nov. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | $12+ | Close out this temporary exhibition with Kahlo’s ofrenda plus food + drinks. 🌼
- Día de los Muertos Community Altar | Sat., Oct. 30-Sun., Nov. 7 | 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy | Visit the annual community altar at Pearl created by local artists and sisters, Manola and Maria Ramirez and light a digital candle. 🕯️
🍽️ Food
- Foodie Cinema: Coco | Mon., Nov. 1 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | San Antonio Botanical Garden | $54+ | Enjoy dinner and a show as the Botanical Garden screens Coco accompanied by an array of Día de los Muertos food + drink options. 🎥
- Dead of the Dead Dinner | Tues. Nov. 2 | 6:30-10 p.m | Clementine, 2195 Northwest Military Highway | $200 | Bone-appetit — Join guest chef Guillermo González Beristáin in a seven-course Día de los Muertos inspired dinner. 🍽️
🎊 Parades + Festivals
- Day of the Dead River Parade | Fri., Oct. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | La Villita, 418 Villita St. | $15+ | Grab your ticket to watch this cultural celebration as it winds its way down the river walk. 🌼
- Cultural Celebration: Día de los Muertos | Sat., Oct. 30 - Sun., Oct. 31 | 10 a.m-6 p.m. | Historic Market Square, 514 W Commerce St. | Free | Head downtown for festive food, live music + a procession by Live La Monas at 1pm. 🏵️