One of the largest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the U.S. returns to San Antonio
This fall, the 9th annual Día de los Muertos celebration at Hemisfair is set to return for both in-person events and a digital broadcast on Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 24.
Muertos Fest has historically been one of the largest Day of the Dead events in the country. This year, the gathering anticipates 100,000 attendees, a combination of in-person visitors and folks who opt to connect with the festivities through its digital broadcast.
The family-friendly downtown event will include community altars, live music, art vendors, and workshops. According to a press release, USA Today named it one of the 10 Great Day of the Dead Celebrations in the world.
San Antonians celebrate Day of the Dead at the 7th Annual Día de los Muertos event located downtown at the Hemisfair on Saturday October 26, 2019.
Joel Pena
If you’re unfamiliar with the holiday, the occasion is a celebration of life by honoring those who have died. At its core, the community altars, or ofrendas, are its beating heart. Considering these themes, the festival coordinators acknowledge the devastation of the last year while looking ahead.
San Antonians celebrate Day of the Dead at the 7th Annual Día de los Muertos event located downtown at the Hemisfair on Saturday October 26, 2019.
Joel Pena
Rudy Garza of Brownsville points out a picture of his wife and grandmother, Herlinda Garza, to grandson Rody Chavez, 6, during the 2018 Muertos Fest for Dia de los Muertos at La Villita. On Nov. 6, the Conservation Society is hosting the Fall Heritage Festival at La Villita. The group says the fundraiser will be a “small, smart and careful event.”
San Antonio Express-News file photo
“Last year we shut down our in-person event but given the pandemic’s devastating impact we felt it was important to keep Día de los Muertos active and produced a successful broadcast and livestream virtual event,” says Muertos Fest artistic director Jim Mendiola in a press release.
“As our community has begun to enjoy public gatherings in a safe manner, Muertos Fest 2021 gives space and programming to reflect and observe all we’ve been through. We’re looking forward to gathering again for an in-person celebration of Día de los Muertos.”
The two-day festival is free and open to the public.
To learn more, visit MuertosFest.com Or follow the event on social media @MuertosFest.
San Antonians celebrate Day of the Dead at the 7th Annual Día de los Muertos event located downtown at the Hemisfair on Saturday October 26, 2019.
Joel Pena
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