The 13th edition of the San Antonio cultural celebration runs from Oct. 24-26.
SAN ANTONIO — Muertos Fest, the beloved cultural event celebrating loved ones that takes over Hemisfair every fall, is tacking on an additional night for 2025.
The change extends the San Antonio festival’s typical two days of events into a third. That means the 13th edition of Muertos Fest kicks off on Friday, Oct. 24, before continuing through the weekend with vibrant ofrendas, music and eats to commemorate a time of remembrance.
It’s the first time San Antonio’s take on Día de Muertos starts on Friday night, which will feature an “all-star tribute” to Flaco Jimenez, the legendary Alamo City accordionist who died this summer at the age of 86. Jimenez’s brother, Santiago, will perform that night, along with Patsy Torres, Ruben Ramos, Rick Trevino, members of Los Lobos and others.
As with prior years, it will be free for anyone who wants to attend.
“We really pride how San Antonio does (Día de Muertos),” said Jim Mendiola, the event’s artistic director. “It’s a very distinct kind of celebration, very specific to our culture and our history.”
Families, schools and community organizations are creating more than 80 inspiring altars celebrating life and creativity that will be on display throughout Hemisfair and Civic Park for Muertos Fest.
The annual event is recognized as the largest Day of the Dead Festival in the U.S. and has received both national and international accolades. Muertos Fest was named one of the 10 Great Day of the Dead Celebrations in the world by USA Today and one of the country’s seven best fall festivals by National Geographic.
Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez said the event is a major economic one as well as a cultural celebration–more than 100 local businesses are set to participate this year.
“It highlights and celebrates what it means to be Latino, but it’s also open to all cultures,” he said. “It’s something that really showcases the heart – the corazon – of San Antonio.”