Muertos Fest unveils details for San Antonio’s biggest Día de Los Muertos celebration

Last updated: 2024/09/25 at 10:09 PM

San Antonio Urban Editorial Team Published September 25, 2024

MuertosFest Returns to Downtown San Antonio for Its 12th Year

Welcome back to downtown San Antonio, where MuertosFest is gearing up for its 12th year. This free festival will take place at Hemisfair and Civic Park, expecting over 100,000 attendees over two days. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Oct. 26 and noon to 9 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Hemisfair.

If you can’t make it to the event or want to catch a recap of all the fun, be sure to tune in to KSAT 12 for a two-hour special on Muertos Fest from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 30.

San Antonio proudly hosts the largest Dia de los Muertos event in Texas, with Muertos Fest ranking as one of the top 10 festivals in the country according to USA Today.

During a recent press conference, organizers unveiled more details about the event, including the music lineup. The festival will showcase 50 performances from bands, poets, and dancers across five stages. Headliners include Girl In A Coma, Piñata Protest, and Jesse Borrego.

Attendees can look forward to original artwork, lively dancing, a drum and puppet procession, live poetry, and 80 altars honoring the deceased. It’s a celebration of past and future generations and traditions that enrich the culture of San Antonio.

Erika Prosper, a committee member for the festival and wife of Mayor Ron Nirenberg, emphasized the importance of honoring the impact of past generations. She noted, “What we are doing here with Dia de los Muertos is as much about not just remembering people and their impact but about remembering the generations of people and who they really were to us.”

Jim Mendiola, the artistic director of the event, highlighted how San Antonio uniquely celebrates the holiday. He shared, “It has since transformed across the border. It’s celebrated in the United States where it’s almost an American holiday in itself. I like to argue that the way it’s celebrated here in South Texas is distinct in San Antonio.”

At the heart of the festival are the 80 altars honoring those who have passed away, creating a poignant and vibrant display of remembrance and celebration.

Día de Los Muertos is a time to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Muertos Fest, San Antonio’s largest free Día de Los Muertos festival, brings this beloved tradition to downtown San Antonio every year.

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