New Events Make San Antonio's Day of the Dead Celebration Largest in the U.S.

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Sep 16, 2019, 09:00 ET

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- San Antonio is renowned for its lively atmosphere and colorful cultural events. This year, the city's Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities are hitting an all-time high as new offerings join dozens of annual events, creating the largest celebration of the holiday in the U.S.

A colorful Dia de Muertos parade at the historic Pearl brewery district. Dozens of events from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 make San Antonio the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the U.S.

A large community altar at the Dia de Los Muertos festival in San Antonio. This fest, along with dozens more, help make San Antonio home to the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the U.S.

Dating back to pre-Columbian times, Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday when people celebrate their deceased loved ones. Participants create festive altars adorned with photographs, food and other gifts associated with the holiday such as marigolds, incense and candles to honor those who have passed. It's said that on Nov. 1 and 2, the distance between the living and the dead is at its closest point creating a special moment to share memories and send wishes to dearly departed family and friends.

Taking place Oct. 26 through Nov. 3, San Antonio's festivities include events big and small, some going back more than 40 years, with traditional altars, live music, Mexican cuisine and parades, many of which are family friendly and free and open to the public. Restaurants, cafes and cultural institutions across the city will showcase altars, customary décor and fresh-baked pan de muerto, a sweet bread that's a traditional offering.

Día de Los Muertos (Oct. 26-27): For its seventh year, this celebration, also known as Muertos Fest, has expanded to a new location at Hemisfair in the heart of downtown. The free, family-friendly event features the largest open altar exhibition in the city along with live music on two stages, original Day of the Dead art, a drum and puppet procession, poetry readings and more. The fest was named one of the 10 Great Day of the Dead Celebrations by USA Today and the second best Día de Muertos Celebration in the country by Tripping.com.

Day of the Dead San Antonio (Nov. 1-3): The historic La Villita neighborhood serves as home to the new celebration. The three-day program includes artistic displays, activities for children, musical performances, gastronomical treats, a beer garden, Spirits Bar, dancing and opportunities to learn about the historic and cultural importance of the celebration. Additional Day of the Dead San Antonio events include:

Catrineras on the River (Nov. 1) – The kick-off to Day of the Dead San Antonio will dress the city's famous river barges in the colorful hallmarks of the holiday for a floating parade down the River Walk. The parade ends with a performance of "La Danza de Las Mojigangas" at the Arneson River Theatre.
Celebrating Life 5 Run-Walk (Nov. 2) – Participants receive a race kit including a skeleton t-shirt, water bottle and finisher medal. Runners also will have the opportunity to get their faces painted by a team of makeup artists pre-race.

Cultural Exhibitions:

The Witte Museum's Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids (Sept. 28 – Jan. 12) – Part of this exhibition, which explores the science and history of the world's most popular imaginary creatures, will include a section on Alebrijes, brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of mythical creatures, from Oct. 22 – Nov. 16.
Mexicraneos Street (Oct. 15 – Nov. 15) – A series of sculptural skulls encompass a street art exhibition along Houston Street and around the new Frost Bank building in downtown San Antonio.

Pearl (Nov. 1-2): Pearl Park will be transformed for its elaborate Día de Muertos celebration with altars throughout the property, live music, a procession and children's crafts. Hotel Emma and other Pearl businesses will join in the festivities with ornate altars and original programming.

Muertitos Fest (Nov. 1-2): SAY Sí, a creative youth development organization, curates one of the city's comprehensive Día de Muertos celebrations. This year's theme is Mestizo and will reflect the convergence of cultures and indigenous roots of the region.

Huarache Turbo Night Run (Oct. 26): This 5K fun run takes place around Día de Muertos each year, with a prize going to the best costume. The fiesta kicks off once the last runner finishes.

Come and experience one of San Antonio's most vibrant traditions. To learn more, explore visitsanantonio.com/dia-de-los-muertos.

Additional events, information and media images available at media.visitsanantonio.com

SOURCE Visit San Antonio