San Antonio Hosts the Largest Día de los Muertos Celebration in the US

Published on October 2, 2025

Spirit Season is a month-long celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) that San Antonio, Texas, is inviting tourists to experience this October. The city becomes the country’s top destination for this sombre yet joyous cultural event, which takes place from October 3 to November 14, 2025. It features colourful altars, illuminated river parades, live performances, art installations, and community festivals.

San Antonio’s Spirit Season is known for its vibrant and heartfelt Day of the Dead festivities, blending remembrance and celebration in a unique cultural experience. As the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the United States, San Antonio features over two dozen signature events, each paying tribute to the Latinx culture and the deep cultural significance of the holiday.

The city hosts the most extensive Day of the Dead festivities in the nation, offering visitors the chance to experience this moving tradition firsthand. Events such as Muertos Fest at Hemisfair, the “Altares y Ofrendas” exhibit at Centro Cultural Aztlán, and the Día de los Muertos at the Missions offer a unique opportunity to honour and reflect on the lives of departed loved ones, while exploring vibrant cultural arts, performances, and food.

Key Events of San Antonio’s Spirit Season

Several marquee events highlight San Antonio’s Spirit Season, offering something for everyone, whether they seek art, music, or family fun:

• Day of the Dead River Parade (Oct. 24): Illuminated barges glide along the River Walk, creating a stunning spectacle that honors the spirits of the departed.
• Muertos Fest at Hemisfair (Oct. 24-26): A free festival featuring five stages of live music, performances, an artisan market, and moving altar exhibits celebrating this beloved tradition.
• Day of the Dead San Antonio at La Villita (Oct. 24-26): Visitors can enjoy giant alebrijes (colorful folk art sculptures), live music, delicious food, and a collection of 25 painted skulls (Calavera Collection).
• “Altares y Ofrendas” (Nov. 2-13): An annual exhibit at Centro Cultural Aztlán, showcasing altars created to honor the lives of loved ones.
• Additional Highlights: Events include ofrendas at the Missions (Oct. 11 – Nov. 14), a Catrina Live Exhibit at The Shops at La Cantera (Oct. 18), the Market Square Celebration (Oct. 25-26), and a 5K Calaverita Run & Family Walk (Oct. 25).

A Spiritual Migration: Monarch Butterfly Festival

In an extra layer of significance, Spirit Season coincides with the annual migration of monarch butterflies, a sacred symbol in Día de los Muertos traditions. Indigenous cultures believe the butterflies carry the souls of the departed back home. In honour of this, San Antonio celebrates the Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival on October 18 at Brackenridge Park, allowing visitors to connect with nature and the cultural symbolism behind this migration.

San Antonio’s Spirit Season: A Citywide Embrace of Heritage

At its heart, Spirit Season is a celebration of San Antonio’s Latino heritage, reflecting how the city’s vibrant culture, rich traditions, and strong sense of community come together for a memorable and meaningful experience. From the Día de los Muertos parades to community festivals and art installations, Spirit Season is about more than just spectacle, it’s a time for remembrance, reflection, and connection. The celebration honors San Antonio’s deep cultural roots, allowing visitors to experience the city’s unique embrace of life, death, and the spirit world.

Spirit Season – A Cultural Journey in San Antonio

San Antonio is inviting everyone to participate in its Spirit Season celebration, which will last for a whole month in October. San Antonio provides a memorable experience of art, heritage, and remembrance, whether you’re strolling along the River Walk, taking in the live music at Muertos Fest, or learning about the richness of Día de los Muertos. Spirit Season offers a rich, emotional journey into San Antonio’s Latino heritage, from the breathtaking Day of the Dead Parade to the poignant Monarch Butterfly Festival. It is a must-visit for anyone wishing to connect with this profoundly moving cultural tradition.