San Antonio residents and visitors will gather downtown for Muertos Fest, a celebration of the Mexican tradition Día de los Muertos. The festival opens on Friday, Oct. 23, with the evening event “¡Presente! A Night to Remember,” running from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Hemisfair.

Face painting honors the departed

Organizers and local artists emphasized that the iconic face painting is more than a decorative element. As Kara McClendon and Yessenia Lerma explained to GMSA at 9 a.m., the designs are rooted in the holiday’s purpose of honoring loved ones who have died. The painted faces serve as a visual tribute, allowing participants to celebrate the memory of family members and friends through art, music, food, and community gatherings.

During the festival, many attendees will wear paint inspired by calaveras—skull imagery that is a hallmark of Día de los Muertos. The skull motifs symbolize the cycle of life and death, reminding participants that death is a natural part of the human experience and that remembrance can be joyful.

Festival schedule and media coverage

In addition to the opening night, Muertos Fest will feature a variety of cultural performances, culinary vendors, and family‑friendly activities throughout the weekend. KSAT will broadcast a two‑hour primetime special on Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., highlighting the festival’s events and the significance of the tradition.

Community leaders hope the festival will strengthen San Antonio’s rich cultural tapestry while providing a safe, family‑oriented environment for residents to learn about and participate in Día de los Muertos. By foregrounding the meaning behind the face‑painting tradition, Muertos Fest aims to deepen appreciation for the holiday’s values of remembrance, unity, and celebration.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.