New events are coming to San Antonio’s Day of the Dead festivities this year, offering residents and tourists two unique ways to celebrate the annual holiday and honor loved ones who have passed.
Día de los Muertos is a multi-day holiday traditionally celebrated in Mexico and parts of Latin America honoring family and friends who have died.
San Antonio’s city-wide celebration is one of the largest in the U.S. It includes free parades, music and dancing, and several other events taking place throughout October and early November. You can find a full list of events here.
This year, in addition to the bedrock events — like the river parade and Muertos Fest, among others — organizers are introducing a calaverita-themed 5K run and a narrated boat tour along the river.
Visit San Antonio announced the events on Wednesday at a new conference along the River Walk, marking the start of the season. Events include Dia de los Muertos at the Missions, a Catrina Live Exhibit at The Shops at La Cantera, Day of the Dead at La Villita and the Historic Market Square.
5K run/walk
San Antonio residents and visitors will have the opportunity to run or walk in honor of loved ones who have passed during the Calaverita Run 5K at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25.
Calaveritas refer to playful, tongue-in-cheek poems about the afterlife and death popular in Mexican traditions during the Day of the Dead holiday. They can also refer to the decorative and colorful skulls that symbolize the holiday.
Participants are encouraged to place a photo of a loved one, or several, who they’d like to honor in their racing bib as they run or walk.
You can also write their names on the “For Whom Do You Run” wall and add a photo at the community altar as a part of the shared remembrance. The altar will be on display through Nov. 2 at La Gloria Pearl restaurant.
Art displays, music and community altars will line the 3.1-mile River Walk route.
The run is ticketed, with registration starting at $40. There’s also discounted family walk entries. You can register here.
A float featuring the cempasúchil (Mexican marigolds) arrives to Arneson Theater during the first annual Day of the Dead San Antonio celebration and Catrina River Parade at Arneson River on Nov. 1, 2019. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Narrated boat tour
Event organizers are also offering Rio De La Vida Tradition Trail Tours, a new guided riverboat tour through downtown. Participants will learn the history, traditions, and significance of Alebrijes — brightly colored creatures from Mexican folk art — as they spot the art sculptures along the River Walk.
The new tour is a collaborative effort by Visit San Antonio and GO RIO Cruises.
“While we’re going around and looking at these art pieces, we’ll discuss the artists who created them, as well as Mexican and Oaxacan culture as it relates to Day of the Dead,” said Desiree Lancharic, sales and events manager at GO RIO Cruises.
The tours take place every Tuesday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. starting this Sunday through Nov. 4. The tour lasts about 45 minutes.
You can find tickets here. The tour is also being offered for free to Title I schools for student field trips.