Muertos Fest: Celebration in Memory of Loved Ones
Written by Jonathan Villanueva | November 7, 2025
Photos by Jonathan Villanueva
Photos by Jonathan Villanueva
San Antonio, TX - Dia de los Muertos is not about loss and grief. It is the celebration of memory and love for our family and friends.
Originally it was an Aztecan practice, used to celebrate the goddess of the underworld with offerings to honor the dead. When the Spanish conquered the Aztec Empire in the 16th century, the dates were moved to align more with catholic holidays, and thus Dia De Los Muertos was observed on November 1st and 2nd, which coincided with All Saint’s Day and All Souls Day.
Photos by Jonathan Villanueva
In observance of tradition, families create Ofrendas, which are offerings to our loved one’s souls. These offerings consisted of favorite foods, beverages and memorabilia that would encourage our departed to visit and receive the blessings and prayers of their living family. Mexican marigolds, or cempasúchil, were often used in decorations as it is believed their bright color and fragrant scent were capable of guiding the dead home.
I had the pleasure of attending Muertosfest this year, a San Antonio festival observing Dia De Los Muertos and celebrating the love and life of our local familias. The Hemisfair was alive with colors and people, the crowd was so plentiful that many spent well over an hour just trying to get into the festival. Every square foot of sidewalk and pathway was covered in beautiful ofrendas and art. It’s important to remember that ofrendas are not just for remembering the dead but to invite them home as well. The air in the festival was so full of love and laughter that it was very easy to feel invited in.
Photos by Jonathan Villanueva
Two large stages showing local bands playing tejano classics, and originals, brought the festival vibe to Muertosfest. The field was alive with dancers as well loved classics from Selena rang out over the speakers. There was also a smaller stage where a local dance company performed traditional dances for a crowd.
Many of the attendees were dressed up as calaveras, or skeletons. Many observe this tradition as a way to celebrate life and death as a beautiful, natural cycle that we all share instead of a somber grief to live with. There were couples dressed together, people dancing to music, interacting with other festival goers, and taking pictures. There were also plenty of vendors, serving latin food such as street tacos, quesadillas, chicharrones and of course the local classic: chicken on a stick.
My biggest takeaway from this was the sense of community I felt, surrounded by my peers. Every person I walked past, every family gathered around their ofrenda, every child I saw running after one another in the festival grounds had felt the love and loss of a family member. They were here today to celebrate them, together, as a people. I saw the love in an abuela’s eyes as she tended her son’s altar, I saw men laughing and choking up, telling stories over their beers, I saw my culture, beautiful and on display in spite of the cultural climate we currently live in. It was moving. All I saw was love, in remembrance, in continuum.
