San Antonio, Texas, became a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and community from October 24 to 26, 2025, as the city hosted its annual Muertos Fest. As part of the larger Spirit Season, which honors Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the festival attracted over 100,000 attendees, making it one of the largest and most significant Día de los Muertos celebrations in the United States. The event, held at the picturesque Hemisfair, was an immersive experience that showcased the city’s rich cultural tapestry while emphasizing the collective spirit of remembrance and celebration of life.
Over the course of the three-day festival, attendees were treated to a dynamic mix of cultural performances and activities that brought the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life. With five stages featuring live music, dance performances, and poetry readings, the festival offered an eclectic array of entertainment that appealed to diverse audiences. Traditional mariachi bands and folk music blended seamlessly with more contemporary Latin genres, creating an atmosphere that was both celebratory and reflective. The performances helped connect attendees to the cultural traditions of the holiday while providing a platform for local and international artists to share their work with the community.
One of the festival’s main attractions was its artisan market, where visitors could explore and purchase a wide variety of handcrafted goods, ranging from intricately designed jewelry and textiles to painted artwork and traditional Día de los Muertos items such as sugar skulls, candles, and colorful papel picado. This market not only offered a chance to shop but also allowed attendees to engage directly with local artisans, many of whom shared the stories behind their work and the cultural significance of their crafts. The market served as both a celebration of artistic heritage and a space for community interaction, where the history of Día de los Muertos was brought to life through every product sold.
The spiritual essence of Día de los Muertos was also honored through a series of elaborate ofrendas, or altars, created by individuals, families, and organizations in tribute to loved ones who had passed away. These altars were adorned with photos, candles, marigolds, incense, and offerings of favorite foods and beverages, representing the belief that the spirits of the deceased return to visit their families during the holiday. The ofrendas were not only visually stunning but also deeply emotional, offering a space for reflection and remembrance. Many visitors took time to visit these altars, pay their respects, and reflect on their own connections to those who have passed.
In addition to the music, art, and ofrendas, the festival offered educational workshops and discussions about the origins and significance of Día de los Muertos. These sessions provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the cultural, spiritual, and historical aspects of the holiday, which honors the memory of deceased loved ones while celebrating the cycles of life. Workshops on crafting traditional decorations and creating personal ofrendas gave participants the opportunity to engage hands-on with the traditions, enhancing their connection to the holiday and its customs.
What truly made Muertos Fest special was how it captured the spirit of community in San Antonio. The festival’s emphasis on inclusivity allowed people of all backgrounds to come together to celebrate, share, and learn from one another. It reflected the city’s broader commitment to honoring its Mexican and Latinx heritage, while also creating a space for people from various cultures to learn about and appreciate the significance of Día de los Muertos. Whether through the performances, the ofrendas, or the artisan market, the festival encouraged deep cultural exchange and reflection, fostering a sense of unity in the shared experience of celebrating life, death, and heritage.
As part of San Antonio’s Spirit Season, Muertos Fest exemplified the city’s dedication to not only preserving its rich traditions but also to promoting cultural appreciation and community health. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring one’s ancestors, while also embracing the present and future with joy, remembrance, and community. The festival, which continues to grow each year, stands as a testament to the resilience of cultural traditions and their ability to bring people together in celebration of life’s most profound connections.