Celebrate Día de los Muertos with San Antonio’s “Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones”
San Antonio’s World Heritage Office invites the community to unite for a powerful and beautiful celebration, “Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones,” on Saturday, November 2, 2024. From 3 to 10 p.m., this free annual event will honor the spirit of Día de los Muertos, a time to remember loved ones and celebrate cultural heritage. The celebration is open to the public and offers a family-friendly environment at the historic Mission Marquee Plaza.
The event begins at 3 p.m. with a unique drum and dance procession from Mission San José Granary to Mission Marquee Plaza, a symbolic tribute to the legacy of San Antonio’s historic Missions and their descendants. Reflecting on the significance of this gathering, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran said, “Dia de los Muertos is an opportunity for us to celebrate and honor our loved ones who have passed, reinforcing our connections to family and community.”
Mission Marquee Plaza will come alive with music, food, dance, and interactive activities following the procession. Guests can enjoy live performances by talented local groups, participate in face-painting and craft workshops, and admire participants in the Catrina y Catrin contest, which celebrates the traditional “elegant skull” attire. Esteemed San Antonio artist and poet Anthony “The Poet” Flores will emcee the event.
A special tribute slideshow will display photos of departed family and friends, submitted by the community, on the original 1948 Mission Marquee Plaza movie screen. This moving tribute serves as a shared space for community remembrance and storytelling.
Full Schedule of Events
The day is filled with exciting performances and activities for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a snapshot of the day’s schedule:
- 3:00 p.m. – Community contributions to community altars
- 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. – Workshops and FREE face painting
- 3:20 p.m. – Calavera poetry with San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega and Gilbert Elementary students
- 3:50 p.m. – Arrival of drum and dance procession and altar blessing
- 4:10 to 4:40 p.m. – Catrina y Catrin contest
- 4:45 p.m. – “The Story of the Eagle and the Condor” by Destiny and Papa Bear
- 5:05 to 6:00 p.m. – Mariachi Las Alteñas
- 6:05 to 6:50 p.m. – Chayito y Los Flamenco de San Antonio
- 7:00 to 8:10 p.m. – Tarasco Tropical
- 7:15 p.m. – Remembrance Tribute on the big screen
- 8:10 to 8:30 p.m. – Zombie Bazaar Panza Fusión performance
- 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. – Screening of “The Book of Life”
Día de los Muertos at Mission Marquee Plaza is an opportunity to honor the past while celebrating the future. Whether you come to enjoy the festivities, partake in the remembrance slideshow, or simply experience the magic of San Antonio’s rich traditions, this event promises something special for all.
For more information, please visit MissionMarquee.com.
