San Antonio Celebrates Día De Los Muertos
A couple poses for a photo during the annual Muertos Fest held at La Villita. Photo: B. Kay Richter.
November 2, 2020 - San Antonio
Article By: Valeria Torrealba - Staff Intern, SA Sentinel
A young vendor sells products during a past Muertos Fest celebration held at La Villita. The city was forced to hold a virtual celebration this year due to the pandemic. Photo: B. Kay Richter.
The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office will celebrate Día de los Muertos with a free online program on Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2. The virtual events will share the history of the Día de los Muertos holiday, along with its rituals, symbolism, indigenous roots, and its gastronomical connections.
Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday, one in which the families welcome back the spirits of deceased family members. Typically celebrated from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, ofrendas will be installed while decorated elegantly with candles and food. An ofrenda is an altar with a collection of memorabilia.
“Día de los Muertos is a time we remember and celebrate our loved ones who have passed, and a time to pause and reflect on our cultural and familial traditions,” said District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca J. Viagran. “This year, more than any other, it’s important we take the time to honor and be thankful for the loved ones in our lives.”
On Nov. 1, Mission Marquee Plaza will present “Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones - 300 Years of Mission San Jose,” as its third annual event. It will be available to watch on the World Heritage Office YouTube channel (@worldheritagesa) and Mission Marquee Plaza Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MissionMarqueePlaza) beginning at 4 p.m. The virtual event will include:
A discussion on history, symbolism and traditions of Dia de los Muertos by Jesus de la Torre, cultural preservation educator and social marketer, and founder of Colectivo Cultural
Tradition of Pan de Muerto during the holiday, presented by Patricia Bedoy, owner of Bedoy’s Bakery
Demonstration by San Antonio artist and educator Terry Ybañez on how to make a sugar skull
Presentation on altars created by descendant families of Mission San Jose
Performances at Mission San Jose by Mariachi Alma de Mexico and ballet folklorico dancing by Compania Folklorica del Alamo
A Muertos Fest procession circles a pathway during a celebration at the Pearl. All processions and celebrations were forced to remain virtual this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: B. Kay Richter.
The celebration will also include a special outdoor exhibit featuring the works of 11 San Antonio artists and curated by Rigoberto Luna. “Alive in Memory & Spirit” is a visual interpretation of some of the critical contributors to San Antonio, the Missions and the surrounding area.
Each of the large-scale reproductions of original artworks commissioned by the World Heritage Office is a traditional or non-traditional portrait of these departed individuals whose memories are celebrated and honored.
Artists for this exhibit include: Fernando Andrade, Richard Arredondo, David Blancas, Adriana M. Garcia, Cassie Gnehm, Omar Gonzalez, Raul Rene Gonzalez, Christopher Montoya, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Eva Marengo Sanchez, and Jesus Treviño.
This outdoor exhibit will remain on display at Mission Marquee Plaza until the end of December. The exhibit will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Social distancing and face masks are encouraged. More information about the exhibit can be found at www.missionmarquee.com.
A local altar stationed outside of the Pearl sits on display. The design and images of the altar were originally part of a school project by local students Photo: B. Kay Richter.
In addition to the previous events, the San Antonio UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and the World Heritage Office will host the second installment of its free virtual Tamal Institute series, “Tamales and Día de los Muertos” on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. This event will follow the agenda below:
Introduction by author Dr. Carmen Tafolla on the historical and cultural significance of tamales for Day of the Dead
A presentation and cooking demonstration by the Familia de la Torre on how to prepare tamales at home
An opportunity to travel virtually to other UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy – Ensenada, Mexico; Merida, Mexico; and Belo Horizonte, Brazil – to learn about their culinary traditions for Dia de los Muertos.
Those who wish to attend can register for free at https://tamal-institute-diadelosmuertos.eventbrite.com.
Valeria Torrealba is an opinions columnist and public relations assistant at the University Star, a student publication of Texas State University. Email her at reporter@sasentinel.com.