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Cyclists who perished on San Antonio’s streets, migrants who died crossing the border, and victims of the Uvalde massacre at Robb Elementary School are among those who are memorialized at this year’s Muertos Fest.
The Día de los Muertos traditions originated in Mexico, but San Antonio is also known for embracing the celebration of honoring the dead by showcasing altars to loved ones we have lost.
At the 11th annual Muertos Fest taking place this weekend at HemisFair Park in downtown San Antonio, Paul Reubens, a beloved American actor and comedian best known for portraying the character Pee-wee Herman, was honored with five different altars featuring characters and items from his iconic Saturday morning show, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”
Other altars featured celebrities like Betty White and the rest of the cast of “The Golden Girls.”
Many of the altars were simple and included framed family photos and a few of the favorite items of the deceased like pan dulce and bottles of spirits.
Others were more elaborate, including one by Casa Mio Designs, honoring Nuestra Querida Familia (or Our Beloved Family). The altar was actually inside a wood-frame casita with a front and back door. One can enter and see a tiny cocina–a typical Mexican American kitchen, with two smiling, aproned skeletons preparing a pot of tamales.
San Antonio lost one of its favorite artists this year. An altar to Jesse Treviño, including a small replica of his iconic mural “Spirit of Healing,” attracted many who admire his incredible story.
San Antonio is one of the deadliest cities for bicyclists. An altar built by SATX Social Ride honors cyclists who have been killed in traffic crashes with motor vehicles.
The festival offers a chance for the community to highlight important social issues, including domestic violence, gun violence, and the need for more research to battle childhood cancer. It also gives visitors a chance to grieve and process and celebrate the lives of those lost together.
Day of the Dead River Parade
The official kickoff of San Antonio's Dia de los Muertos celebrations took place on Friday night with the annual River Parade. Some 26 artisan-crafted floats lit up the night and processed down the river festooned with cultural symbols associated with Day of the Dead traditions that originated in Mexico. Altares, catrinas and other costumed participants made the evening memorable–and one befitting a commemoration of the dearly departed.
