Thank you for a wonderful 2026.
Stay tuned for 2027 information!

See the 2026 program below.

Journey through art, culture, remembrance, and flavor during the Day of the Dead Tradition Trail Presented by Community First Health Plans. Each fall, visitors have the chance to explore the San Antonio River Walk and surrounding areas to discover colorful alebrijes, vibrant calaveras, meaningful altars, specialty culinary experiences, and a guided river tour celebrating the traditions and stories of Day of the Dead.

Tradition Trail Alebrijes

Discover colorful alebrijes displayed throughout the River Walk. These imaginative Mexican folk-art sculptures combine features from different animals and mythical creatures into one-of-a-kind works of art. Often viewed as spiritual guides, alebrijes represent creativity, protection, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Alebrije Locations:

Tradition Trail Calaveras

Find larger-than-life calaveras throughout the River Walk. Meaning “skulls” in Spanish, calaveras are recognizable symbols of Day of the Dead. Their bright colors and decorative details celebrate life while honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed.

Calavera Locations:

Tradition Trail Altars

Visit altars created by River Walk members and community partners in honor of Day of the Dead. Also known as ofrendas, these meaningful displays celebrate loved ones who have passed through photographs, flowers, candles, favorite foods, and personal objects that preserve their stories and memories

Altar Locations:

Culinary Spirits: A Taste of Legacy on the River Walk Presented by Hennessy

Discover the stories, flavors, and traditions of remembrance along the River Walk through specialty food and cocktail creations inspired by the people and legacies that continue to shape San Antonio. This Day of the Dead season, discover the stories, flavors, and traditions of remembrance along the River Walk through Culinary Spirits: A Taste of Legacy on the River Walk Presented by Hennessy. 

This month-long culinary experience invites participating River Walk restaurants and bars to honor the people and traditions that have shaped them through meaningful food and cocktail creations. Each participating location will feature a specialty Hennessy-based cocktail or a dish paired with a Hennessy cocktail inspired by a loved one, personal story, or tradition. 

More than a culinary experience, Culinary Spirits offers an opportunity to pause, remember, and celebrate the legacies that live on through the food and traditions we share.

See Them All on the Rio De La Vida - Tradition Trail Tour

Experience the Day of the Dead Tradition Trail from the water during a special guided GO RIO river cruise highlighting the art, symbolism, and stories behind the alebrijes, calaveras, and altars displayed along the River Walk. 

See the Day of the Dead Tradition Trail from a different perspective when you hop aboard the Río de la Vida Tradition Trail Tour. This special guided river cruise takes you through the heart of downtown San Antonio while highlighting the art, symbolism, and stories behind the alebrijes, calaveras, and altars displayed along the River Walk. 

Along the route, you’ll discover the cultural significance of the vibrant installations while enjoying a refreshing beverage included with your ticket. 

Schedule: 

• Duration: 45-50 minutes (10-15 minutes longer than the standard narrated tours)
• Dates: Every Tuesday and Sunday, October 4 - November 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM

The Largest Catrina in the Country is in the Alamo City

Standing a breathtaking 38.5 feet tall at La Villita Historic Arts Village, this spectacular sculpture is a vibrant tribute to the spirit of Día de los Muertos. With her colorful attire, glowing butterfly, and flower-festooned hat, she’s a sight you can’t miss!

Created by the talented Mexican artists Jesus and Amauri Sanabria, this towering Catrina now holds the record for being the second largest “Calavera Catrina” in the world—following Puerto Vallarta’s 74-foot record holder!

Photo features Urban-15

PLUS: Celebrate Day of the Dead, San Antonio Style

This is just one of many ways to immerse yourself in Day of the Dead celebrations in San Antonio. The entire city comes alive with vibrant altars, colorful parades, traditional music, and cultural events that capture the spirit of remembrance.

Explore all the incredible festivities around the city by visiting the Visit San Antonio’s Day of the Dead page for more details, and join us for the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade!