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San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos season turns remembrance into something people can walk through, listen to and share. Along the River Walk, colorful sculptures and family altars form the Tradition Trail, open October 2 through November 2. Around the city, a river parade, a three-day festival and botanical sculptures offer different ways to explore the holiday’s meaning.

The history behind the flowers and ofrendas

Día de los Muertos grew from Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions honoring the dead. After Spanish colonization, those observances intertwined with the Catholic calendar’s All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2. Many families remember deceased children on the first day and adults on the second, although customs vary among communities.

At the center is the ofrenda: an altar arranged with photographs, keepsakes and offerings that recall a person’s life. Favorite foods and familiar objects make the remembrance personal. Cempasúchil, the marigold associated with the holiday, is traditionally used to help guide the spirits of loved ones home.

The Smithsonian’s explanation of the tradition emphasizes that these displays honor lives and continuing family connections. Knowing that background gives the photographs, flowers and carefully chosen objects on San Antonio’s altars a deeper meaning.

Follow the Tradition Trail

Alebrijes—fantastical sculptures combining animal and mythical features—appear at Rivercenter Lagoon, Stargazer Bridge and across from the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Decorated calaveras, or skulls, can be found at the Arneson River Theatre stage and other stops.

Participating altar locations include the Westin Riverwalk, Casa Rio, Hotel Contessa and the Tower of the Americas. The displays extend beyond the riverbank: some are at street level or inside venues, and Pearl’s altars are available only on selected dates. Use the official location guide to plan a route and check individual access details.

Self-guided exploration of the trail is free. For a view from the water, GO RIO’s separately ticketed Río de la Vida cruise explores the alebrijes’ history and symbolism on Tuesdays and Sundays, October 4 through November 1, at 7:30 p.m.

October 23: Day of the Dead River Parade

Decorated barges carrying altars, Catrinas and costumed riders will travel through downtown during the Day of the Dead River Parade on Friday, October 23. It begins at 7 p.m. near Lexington Avenue, by the Tobin Center and Thompson San Antonio.

Floats reach different viewing sections at different times, so check the official map rather than treating 7 p.m. as the arrival time everywhere. Reserved seating requires tickets, including for children age 2 and older. A free standing-room viewing area extends from East Commerce Street to the end of the route; chairs are not allowed there.

Strollers, carriers and ice chests are prohibited on the River Walk during the event. Accessible seating is offered in selected sections near ramps or elevators. Ticket holders should use their assigned street-level entrance and arrive at least an hour before the floats are expected at their section.

October 23–25: Muertos Fest at Hemisfair

Free Muertos Fest fills Hemisfair, 630 Nueva Street, with altars, original artwork, music, poetry, food and community processions over three days:

• Friday, October 23: 5–11 p.m., with sensory-friendly hours from 5–7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; procession at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, October 25: noon–9 p.m.; procession at 3 p.m.

The altar exhibition offers an opportunity to pause between performances and see the people and stories being remembered. Admission is free; food, drinks and purchases are separate. Downtown parking is limited, and organizers encourage visitors to consider VIA, carpooling, walking or biking where practical.

Through November 2: Living Catrinas at the Botanical Garden

At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, Jardín de las Catrinas combines eight monumental sculptures by San Antonio artist Regina Moya with more than 10,000 marigolds and hundreds of living plants.

The figures draw on nature, Mexican heritage and refranes—traditional sayings passed through generations. Some reach 16 feet tall. The exhibition builds on the Garden’s Día de los Muertos celebrations, which began with marigolds in 2023, and its 2025 living Catrina, Nana Echeri, created with Moya and botanical artist Layni Langham.

The exhibition runs through November 2 and is included with Garden admission and membership. Together, these experiences offer room for both a lively evening downtown and a slower visit centered on art, family stories and remembrance.

By Johnny Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Johnny Krenek has been connected to community news since childhood, growing up alongside the family business his parents founded—Krenek Printing. Today, he serves as Vice President and lead developer for My Neighborhood News, where he drives the digital experience and supports the team across a variety of technical and operational roles. He is passionate about building tools that help connect neighbors and strengthen communities.

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