Día de los Muertos: Celebrandos Las Misiones

Published on October 29, 2024

  City of San Antonio World Heritage Office


SAN ANTONIO (October 29, 2024) — The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office will celebrate the Day of the Dead with its seventh annual, “Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones,” on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 3 to 10 p.m. This community event is free and open to the public.

The celebration begins by welcoming a drum and dance procession from Mission San José Granary to the Mission Marquee Plaza to honor the legacy of the descendants of San Antonio’s historic Missions and nearby community.  

“Dia de los Muertos is an opportunity for us to celebrate and honor our loved ones who have passed, reinforcing our connections to family and community,” said District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran. “By celebrating and embracing our heritage and traditions, we ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the holiday's significance.” 

Following the procession, the event continues at Mission Marquee Plaza with live music, food, dance performances, workshops, free face painting, and catrina y catrin contest, emceed by Anthony “The Poet” Flores. It concludes with a film screening of "The Book of Life."  

For a remembrance slideshow, the community was invited to contribute photos to honor past loved ones, family, and friends. The heartfelt slideshow will be displayed on the original 1948 Mission Marquee Plaza movie screen during the event.

“The World Heritage Office is proud to host the Día de los Muertos event at Mission Marquee Plaza,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the City’s World Heritage Office. “This event is developed annually in partnership with the community and provides an authentic local celebration. We are grateful for our partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, and the mission descendant families who play a pivotal role in its success.”

Swain added that Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones is a wonderful opportunity to share memories and engage with one another as a community.

Schedule of Events on November 2

3 p.m.
Community is invited to contribute offerings to the community altars                       

3 to 7:30 p.m.
Workshops and FREE Face Painting begin

3:20 to 3:45 p.m. 
Calavera by Eddie Vega, San Antonio Poet Laureate, and Gilbert Elementary school students 

3:50 p.m.
Drum & Dance procession arrives at Mission Marquee Plaza
Blessing of the altars and Tribal Danza 

4:10 to 4:40 p.m.
Catrina y Catrin contest

4:45 to 5:00 p.m.
The Story of the Eagle and the Condor by Destiny and Papa Bear

5:05 to 6:00 p.m.
Mariachi Las Alteñas

6:05 to 6:50 p.m.
Chayito y Los Flamenco de San Antonio 

7:00 to 8:10 p.m.
Tarasco Tropical

7:15 p.m.
Remembrance Tribute begins on the Mission Marquee Plaza big screen

8:10 to 8:30 p.m.
Zombie Bazaar Panza Fusión

8:30 to 10 p.m.
Film screening: “The Book of Life” 

More information on the 2024 Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones event is available at MissionMarquee.com.