Día de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — is one of Mexico’s most evocative traditions, a time when the dead are remembered and life is celebrated in dazzling parades. Fortunately for Americans, its spirit roams freely across the border, with the custom honored in vibrant festivities in cities across the country.
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos is a national holiday observed on November 1 and 2, while in the U.S., events inspired by it unfold throughout October and into early November.
Here, we’ve picked out six cities that host some of the most spectacular celebrations.
Expect to see the living transformed into calaveras (skeletons) and ofrendas (altars) intricately decorated with candles and marigolds (the flower associated with the Day of the Dead) to welcome the dead back for the party, as well as exotic floats and plenty of live music.
1. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio has deep Mexican roots and is widely recognized as having the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the U.S., with more than two dozen signature events — a blend of heartfelt remembrance and festive spectacle — taking place from early October to November 14.
The biggest single event is Muertos Fest at the Hemisfair park and gardens, a free festival featuring five stages of live music and performances, altar exhibits and artisan markets that regularly draws more than 100,000 visitors.
Another marquee event is the "Altares y Ofrendas" exhibit (Altars and Offerings) at the Centro Cultural Aztlán, now in its 48th year. Also unmissable is the Day of the Dead River Parade, when illuminated barges glide along the city’s River Walk in a dazzling tribute.
Visitors can also admire 25 enormous painted skulls displayed in La Villita, San Antonio’s first neighborhood dating back to the 18th century, alongside brightly colored sculptures of mythical beasts. And there are Day of the Dead exhibitions and celebrations at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas's only Unesco World Heritage Site.
Where to stay
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel is one of San Antonio's most distinguished places to stay, with lavish rooms and a stunning rooftop pool.