by Arianna Michaud | editor in chief
The weekend of Oct. 28 marks Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
This two day festival takes place Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, celebrated throughout Latin America. Despite its grim appearance, the holiday intends to celebrate the lives of the dead and invite their spirits back to Earth in order to enjoy food and drink placed out on an ofrenda, or altar. Marigolds are the featured flower of this holiday due to their fragrance; they are left around and in a trail leading up to the ofrenda in an effort to guide the spirits to their family.
San Antonio embraces this holiday annually with festivals such as Muertos Fest, which occurs the weekend before Dia de los Muertos and has been running for seven years. This year it occurred at Hemisfair, a new location, and featured singers, poets, face paint, and art vendors. A procession walks through the event on Sunday, as seen in this 2014 video. Admission and access to most events is free.
The weekend of Dia de los Muertos has another festival, for those who missed Muertos Fest- Day of the Dead San Antonio, or DOD SAT. One of the features is something the city has never seen before, a Day of the Dead river parade called Catrinas on the River. Additionally, there will be a 5K run and festival at La Villita running from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3.
