When is Día de los Muertos in San Antonio?

Día de los Muertos is November 1 and 2, but San Antonio celebrates all season. In 2026, the River Walk Tradition Trail runs October 2 to November 2, the River Parade is October 23, and Muertos Fest at Hemisfair runs October 23 to 25, with more events at Market Square, Pearl and around town.

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition with roots in Mexico and Central America that blends Indigenous and Catholic customs. Families build altars, called ofrendas, with photos, candles, marigolds (cempasúchil), pan de muerto, and the favorite foods and keepsakes of the people they honor. It isn't a sad holiday. It's a joyful time to remember, tell stories, and celebrate family across generations. Many families honor children on November 1 and adults on November 2.

What Día de los Muertos events are in San Antonio in 2026?

Here are some of the big ones, based on published 2026 listings:

• Día de los Muertos Tradition Trail — October 2 to November 2 along the downtown River Walk, with ofrendas, calaveras and alebrijes at hotels, restaurants, museums and more. Free.
• Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade — Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. on the downtown River Walk, with decorated barges and floats.
• Muertos Fest at Hemisfair — October 23 to 25, with 80-plus handmade altars, processions and live music. Free.
• Día de los Muertos at Historic Market Square — October 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free.
• Día de los Muertos at Pearl — October 27 to November 3, with a community altar and a procession on the evening of November 1. Free.
• Día de Muertos at Rinconcito de Esperanza — November 1, 4 to 10 p.m., with community altars and a procession on the Westside. Free.
• Carnaval de Los Muertos — November 2 at Elmendorf Lake Park, with URBAN-15's illuminated procession. Free.

Times and details can change, so check each event's official page before you go. Visit San Antonio's Day of the Dead page keeps a citywide calendar.

What do people wear to Día de los Muertos events?

You'll see everything from bright colors and flower crowns to elegant catrina makeup and full costumes. Many families also wear shirts with a photo of someone they honor, especially at processions and community altars. It's a way to bring that person along and invite others to ask about them.

If you join in, be respectful. Día de los Muertos is a cultural and family tradition, not a Halloween costume party.

Can a family wear matching shirts to honor someone?

Yes, and it's a beautiful way to celebrate together. Matching shirts help a family stay together in a big crowd and look wonderful next to an ofrenda. A few design ideas:

• A favorite photo framed with marigolds or papel picado
• The person's name with "Siempre en nuestros corazones" (Always in our hearts)
• A favorite saying, in Spanish or English
• A sugar-skull border with the family name on the back

Black shirts make marigold orange and bright colors pop, and white shirts give a photo a soft, clean frame.

How do you plan shirts for a specific event date?

Tell the print shop your event date before you order, and confirm whether their production and delivery options can work for that date. Gather everyone's sizes first and send one clear list, so your order can be finalized in one step.

Frequently asked questions

Is Día de los Muertos the same as Halloween?

No. They fall close together on the calendar, but Día de los Muertos is a family tradition of honoring and remembering the people who matter to you. Halloween is a separate holiday.

Is Muertos Fest free?

Yes. Muertos Fest at Hemisfair is a free, three-day festival. In 2026 it runs October 23 to 25.

Where is the Day of the Dead River Parade?

On the downtown San Antonio River Walk. In 2026 it starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 23. Check the official event page for viewing and ticket details.

What flowers are used for Día de los Muertos?

Marigolds, called cempasúchil, are the traditional flower. Their bright orange color and scent decorate ofrendas and processions.

If your family would like shirts to honor someone this season, or any time of year, visit our custom memorial shirts page. Send a favorite photo, the name, and how many shirts you need to team@luxportprint.co, and we'll help you design them here in San Antonio. You approve the layout before anything prints.