On October 24, 2025, San Antonio, Texas, officially kicked off its “Spirit Season” with the highly anticipated Day of the Dead River Parade along the iconic River Walk. This vibrant event, filled with life and color, marked the beginning of a six-week-long celebration honoring Mexican heritage and culture. The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a deeply meaningful and joyous tradition that celebrates the lives of departed loved ones. It is observed through music, dance, food, and the creation of altars, often featuring marigolds, candles, and photos of the deceased. In San Antonio, this tradition was brought to life with a parade that featured elaborately decorated barges, each symbolizing different elements of the Day of the Dead celebration. Among the stunning visuals were altars, skeletal figures, and vibrant catrinas, figures often associated with the holiday, all accompanied by performances and colorful costumes that dazzled onlookers.
The Day of the Dead River Parade was not only a beautiful tribute to Mexican culture but also an immersive cultural experience for those in attendance. The parade began at 7 p.m., with the first float expected to pass through the Arneson River Theatre around 7:45 p.m. Spectators had a variety of options for enjoying the festivities, including reserved seating along the parade route or standing in free, designated areas that lined the River Walk. A new feature added this year was Parade Plaza, a festival-like gathering spot with local vendors and entertainment that brought even more energy to the event. It became a space for visitors to indulge in food, arts, and crafts, and truly experience the heart of San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos celebrations.
The Day of the Dead River Parade is just one of many events included in the city’s Spirit Season, which runs from October 3 to November 14, 2025. Over the course of these six weeks, San Antonio hosted over two dozen signature events, all designed to celebrate the culture, traditions, and spirit of Día de los Muertos. One of the most significant of these was Muertos Fest, held at Hemisfair from October 24 to 26. This event alone drew over 100,000 attendees and included a wide variety of activities, such as live music, traditional dance performances, poetry readings, and a marketplace featuring handcrafted goods by local artisans. Across five stages, attendees were immersed in the sights and sounds of Mexican heritage, while colorful altars were displayed in honor of the deceased.
In addition to Muertos Fest, other major events like Day of the Dead San Antonio at La Villita presented a striking blend of live entertainment, food, and giant, fantastical alebrijes—brightly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures. Another highlight of the La Villita celebration was the towering “La Catrina” statue, which stood at an impressive 38.5 feet, becoming a focal point of the event. Visitors could also explore the “Altares y Ofrendas” exhibit at Centro Cultural Aztlán, where community members created altars to honor their ancestors and loved ones, making it a powerful and personal tribute. The celebrations even reached Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions, where Día de los Muertos was celebrated with an array of cultural performances and community gatherings.
The Day of the Dead River Parade and Spirit Season festivities in San Antonio are more than just cultural events; they are a celebration of life and memory, a time for the community to come together and reflect on their shared heritage. These events also serve as an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about and participate in an important cultural tradition, ensuring its preservation for the future. Through the immersive and diverse activities, San Antonio has become a place where the past and present converge in a colorful and meaningful tribute to the departed, bringing together people of all backgrounds to honor the lives of those who came before them.
As the city celebrates the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos, it also showcases the artistic and cultural richness that has become an integral part of San Antonio’s identity. The Spirit Season celebrations not only highlight the creativity and beauty of Mexican culture but also emphasize the importance of community, remembrance, and connection. By participating in this long-standing tradition, residents and visitors alike can experience a profound sense of unity and joy, reflecting on the importance of remembering and honoring the lives of those who have passed. Through these vibrant and meaningful celebrations, San Antonio reaffirms its commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage for generations to come.
