With our city’s vibrant Mexican heritage + community, Dia de los Muertos celebrations are already gearing up around San Antonio.

To prepare — let’s explore the roots of this holiday and some of San Antonio’s upcoming celebrations.

The history

Día de los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead), is a holiday traditionally celebrated Oct. 31-Nov. 2. It originated in Mexico, with roots tracing back 3,000 years to Aztec and pre-Aztec Indigenous peoples. To this day, it’s celebrated in communities with Mexican heritage, and all over Latin America.

Dia de los Muertos in San Antonio, TX. | Photo by Matt Buikema

An important distinction: this is not a Mexican version of Halloween. In this celebration of life, participants are reunited with the souls of dead relatives + loved ones. The honored dead are often given offerings at gravesites or ofrendas (alters) at home, and are celebrated with festivals.

Local celebrations

Plan ahead for Muertos Fest, one of USA Today's "America's Top Ten Fall Festivals for 2023," on Saturday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 29. The free event at Hemisfair includes food and drink vendors, Grammy award-winning headliner Ozomatli, a drum + puppet procession, community ofrendas, and craft vendors — but it’s not the only way to join the celebration.

Experience the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade on Friday, Oct. 27. | Photo by Day Of The Dead San Antonio, Visit San Antonio, La Gloria and Chef Johnny Hernandez

Don’t miss out on these other events:

Day of the Day River Parade | San Antonio River Walk | Friday, Oct. 27 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Cultural Celebration: Día de los Muertos | Market Square | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos | Briscoe Western Art Museum | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones | Mission Marquee | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 3-10 p.m.
Dia De Muertos At Pearl | Historic Pearl | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 5-9 p.m.

Are you planning on attending one of these celebrations? Be sure to tag us on social media, or email your photos for a chance to be featured in our newsletters.