Día de los Muertos is celebrated across the Americas during the last two weekends of October. In San Antonio Texas , the holiday has become one of the city’s most significant cultural events. Families, artists, and community groups build altars, decorate with marigolds, and prepare traditional foods to honor loved ones who have passed. Visitors can take part in the celebrations at four key locations—Hemisfair, the River Walk, La Villita, and El Mercado—each offering its own mix of music, parades, art, and food.
Muerto Fest October 24-26 2025
On October 24-26 2025 Muertos Fest will be celebrated on the spacious grounds of Hemisfair Park. Muertos Fest transforms the downtown landmark into a living tribute filled Mexican Dia De Los Muertos festive spirit. The heart of the festival is the community altar exhibit, one of the largest in the United States. Families, artists, and organizations create intricate ofrendas adorned with marigolds, candles, photos, sugar skulls, and offerings of favorite foods and mementos. Each altar tells a story, inviting visitors to reflect on the lives being honored.
But Muertos Fest is more than altars—it’s a full-scale cultural celebration. Multiple stages host live music and dance performances, from mariachi and conjunto to contemporary Latin rock and folklórico. The art mercado features more than 50 local and regional artisans selling jewelry, textiles, paintings, and Día de los Muertos–inspired folk art. Food vendors keep the aromas of Mexican street food in the air, offering tamales, gorditas, elotes, tacos, and the holiday favorite, pan de Muerto.
One of the most anticipated moments of Muertos Fest is the Catrina Parade, where hundreds of participants don elaborate makeup and costumes inspired by José Guadalupe Posada’s iconic “La Catrina.” Towering headpieces, flowing gowns, and intricate calavera face paint turn the streets around Hemisfair into a dazzling pageant of life and death. Floats, giant skeleton puppets, and live musicians join the procession, creating a carnival-like energy that is uniquely San Antonio.
By evening, the park glows with candlelight, papel picado banners ripple in the breeze, and music fills the air. Whether you come to remember loved ones, admire the artistry, or simply take part in a uniquely San Antonio tradition.
Día de los Muertos Riverwalk Parade – October 25 2025
Just steps away the The San Antonio River Walk is magical year-round, but during Día de los Muertos, it takes on an even deeper meaning. The annual Day of the Dead River Parade turns the waterway into a floating celebration of life, remembrance, and Mexican heritage. Imagine a candlelit procession, but instead of streets, it’s the San Antonio River carrying altars, music, and stories through the heart of downtown.
The highlight of the evening is the procession of decorated boats, each transformed into a moving ofrenda. Adorned with marigolds, papel picado, candles, and calaveras, these floating altars honor ancestors, community leaders, and loved ones. Local artists, schools, businesses, and cultural organizations design them with incredible creativity—some deeply personal, others spectacularly theatrical.
Between the boats, musicians and dancers bring the celebration to life. Mariachi ensembles strum heartfelt ballads, Aztec dancers beat rhythmic drums, and folklórico groups twirl in vibrant skirts. And of course, you’ll see plenty of Catrinas—San Antonio locals in elaborate face paint and elegant gowns, embodying the spirit of the holiday.
The parade winds through the Downtown Reach of the River Walk, passing beneath stone bridges and historic landmarks. The best viewing spots are:
Arneson River Theatre – A classic choice with tiered seating directly overlooking the river. Tickets are required, and this spot offers the most immersive experience.
La Villita – Near the theatre, La Villita’s pathways and plazas host pop-up art vendors and altar displays, making it a festive pre- or post-parade stop.
For a truly special experience, reserve a table at a River Walk restaurant with patio seating. Some favorites include:
La Catrina Restaurant – Famous for Dia de Los Muerto décor and specialty Mexican cuisines, the best parade view.
Boudro’s Texas Bistro – Famous for tableside guacamole and a fantastic parade view.
Casa Rio – One of the River Walk’s most iconic Mexican restaurants; sit outdoors under the colorful umbrellas.
Ácenar – Modern Tex-Mex with great balconies for elevated viewing.
Dining during the parade often requires reservations well in advance, so plan ahead if you’d like to pair dinner with the show.
Arrive Early: Parade-goers begin lining up well before sunset. For the best views, arrive at least an hour early.
Parking: Downtown parking garages and lots are available, but they fill quickly. Consider rideshare or public transportation.
Dress the Part: Many attendees wear festive attire or paint their faces as calaveras. It’s part of the experience and makes for great photos.
Weather Prep: The parade is outdoors, so check the forecast. Evenings in late October can be cool—bring a light jacket.
For travelers, the Día de los Muertos Riverwalk Parade is more than a show; it’s a cultural journey that honors tradition while celebrating community. Whether you watch from the Arneson Theatre, a riverside table, or shoulder to shoulder with locals along the banks, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the city’s spirit.
La Villita: Altars and Artisan Culture October 24-26 2025
Tucked along the River Walk, La Villita Historic Arts Village is one of the most charming places to experience Día de los Muertos. The cobblestone courtyards and adobe-style buildings are transformed into a colorful cultural space during the festival. Smaller in scale than Hemisfair, La Villita offers a more intimate atmosphere that emphasizes art and tradition. A highlight is a self-proclaimed largest Catrina in the United States.
Activities at La Villita:
- Visiting community altars in a cozy village setting
- Shopping the artisan market for handwoven textiles, jewelry, and folk art
- Attending art exhibits and performances in historic plazas
- Taking part in family workshops , like sugar skull decorating and paper marigold making
📍 Where to Eat Nearby: Casa Catrina
El Mercado (Market Square): A Fiesta of Food and Tradition
For a lively, family-friendly Día de los Muertos experience, head to Historic Market Square (El Mercado) . This three-block Mexican market is already a hub for music, dining, and shopping year-round, but during Día de los Muertos it becomes a cultural centerpiece. Altars fill the plaza, and the sound of mariachi bands echoes through the air.
Activities at El Mercado:
- Exploring altars and displays created by local artists and organizations
- Listening to live mariachi and Tejano bands on the outdoor stage
- Shopping for folk art, clothing, and traditional crafts at dozens of stalls
- Indulging in classic Mexican street food like gorditas, tacos, and churros
📍 Where to Eat in El Mercado:
Mi Tierra Café y Panadería , open 24/7, is famous for its colorful décor, mariachi music, and pan dulce. Their Día de los Muertos altars are some of the best in town.
La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar serves sizzling fajitas and fresh seafood in a festive plaza setting
A Three-Day Itinerary for Día de los Muertos in San Antonio
Day 1: Arrival & Immersion
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in San Antonio and check into a downtown hotel near Hemisfair or the River Walk. Take a casual stroll through El Mercado to start your trip—grab lunch at Mi Tierra Café , then explore the vibrant market stalls and live music.
Evening: Head to Hemisfair Park for your first look at the glowing community altars. Sample tamales and pan de Muerto from food vendors before enjoying the evening’s live music and folklórico performances.
Day 2: Altars, Art, and the River Parade
Morning: Begin at La Villita Historic Arts Village . Join a workshop to make paper marigolds or decorate a sugar skull, then shop artisan stalls for unique souvenirs. Have lunch at La Villita Café .
Afternoon: Return to Hemisfair for more performances or storytelling events. Explore any altars you may have missed on Day 1.
Evening: Book a riverfront table at Boudro’s or Iron Cactus and enjoy dinner while watching the Catrina on the River Parade . The illuminated floats and elegant costumes are a highlight of the celebration.
Day 3: Culture & Culinary Farewell
Morning: Visit El Mercado again for breakfast—this time try pan dulce and café de olla if you didn’t on Day 1. Soak up the mariachi music and festive spirit.
Afternoon: Spend time at nearby museums like the San Antonio Museum of Art or the Witte Museum, which often host Día de los Muertos exhibitions and family activities.
Evening: Conclude your trip with a farewell dinner at La Fonda on Main , savoring traditional dishes like chile rellenos or carnitas in a hacienda-style setting. On your way out, stop by La Panadería to pick up one last pan de muerto for the journey home.
From Hemisfair’s glowing altars to the River Walk’s floating Catrinas, San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Every stop along the way—whether you’re savoring pan de muerto, enjoying a margarita by the river, or listening to mariachi at El Mercado—connects you to a tradition that celebrates life, memory, and community.
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