Dia de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones

The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office presents Día de los Muertos: “Celebrando Descendientes de las Misiones” de San Antonio, “Celebrating Mission Descendant Families”.  In collaboration with the National Park Service, Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association and Mission Descendant Families, Mission Marquee Plaza will host its inaugural Día de los Muertos celebration.

The celebration will kick off at Mission San Jose Granary with more than 10 mission descendant families’ ofrendas on display; educational show-and-tell workshop; chant and drumming, blessing of the ofrendas, and a dance and drum procession guided by San Antonio Missions National Historical Park from the Mission San Jose Granary to the Mission Marquee Plaza lead by the Tehuan Band of Mission Indians and Native American Inter-Tribal Group. 

The Dia de los Muertos celebration continues at the Mission Marquee Plaza.  The community is invited to contribute offerings to the Community Altar, transforming the stage to a large altar, celebrating friends and family who have passed.  Images will be displayed on the big screen during a dance, drum and blessing by Native American Inter-Tribal Group and Tehuan Band of Mission Indians. This overview of the history, tradition and symbolism of el Dia de los Muertos will be narrated by Emma Ortega, and include interactive art workshops led by educator and local artist Terry Ybanez. Live face painting and artisan vendors will line the lawn. Live music by Los de Esta Noche and dance performances by Theresa Campion Dance Studio, food and beverages will also be available. The evening will end with a special screening of the film, “The Book of Life.”