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Saturday, November 1, 2014

The day after Halloween

It's time to put away the costumes and Halloween decorations, but not in San Antonio where the celebrations continue with Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead observances.

Looking at these photos you might think we have taken a trip to Mexico but this fountain-turned-altar is set up at Maverick Plaza in La Villita or the little village along the San Antonio River Walk.



Dia de los Muertos is based on a tradition from Mexico and observed locally at the beginning of November.  Last year we visited downtown a few days after the Muertosfest celebrations and took these photos minus the crowds and costumes.  Plus I get to introduce you to more of our beautiful city and its culture.


Symbolism to aid in the afterlife


Families have placed ofrendas or offerings for their loved ones in the afterlife around the base of the altar.


Papel Picado or cut paper banners flutter overhead.  Traditionally made of paper, plastic is popular and more durable for outdoors.



The street lights of La Villita decorated with las calaveras or skulls.


"Where are you folks visiting from?" is a common question from shopkeepers when visiting La Villita.  "We live here" is an unexpected response which makes it fun to be tourists at home.


A black cat "in costume" crosses our path...


The nearby Institute of Mexican Culture gets into the "spirit" of the celebration


Over at the Arneson River Theater large Catrinas Calaveras or fancy dressed skeletons decorate the stage.


Live music is on the schedule at the Arneson River Theater with the Texas Tornados performing this year.  Too bad I had to miss the concert as they are a special band.  After we moved to Boston and subsequently spent more than a decade on the east coast I often chose to cure a bout of homesickness with a dose of their Puro San Antonio sound.  Their website is a little out of date so a series of You Tube videos from a show they did for the BBC back in 1992 capture their style best, check out this link for Hey Baby Que Paso or Is Anybody going to San Antone...

Another bright and colorful altar appears in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Main Plaza


The cathedral is approaching its 300th birthday right along with our city.  The fountains are more recent vintage and get mixed reviews.


Across the plaza by the courthouse it's time to pick up lunch and find a spot at one of the nearby tables.


Just in time to enjoy good live music.


It's always fun to walk through the city and experience our fun blending of cultures.  I posted more views and a tour of beautiful Main Plaza in an earlier post here.
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16 comments:

  1. Gardens at Waters EastNovember 1, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    Great posting. It took me a number of years to understand this feast day, but after hosting students from Mexico and Central America - I now understand. Enjoy the celebration. Jack

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    Replies
    1. ShirleyNovember 3, 2014 at 9:49 AM

      That's a fun way to learn more about the culture of other places.

      Delete
  2. rickiiNovember 1, 2014 at 3:20 PM

    San Antonia has all the fun!

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    Replies
    1. ShirleyNovember 3, 2014 at 9:51 AM

      We do have a lot going on here and it is fun.

      Delete
  3. debraNovember 1, 2014 at 9:10 PM

    Feeling a bit jealous over here in Austin ... ;)

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    Replies
    1. ShirleyNovember 3, 2014 at 9:54 AM

      You do have Dia de los Muertos events in Austin but a bit different from what I have seen.

      Delete
  4. KeityNovember 2, 2014 at 2:46 AM

    Thank you for taking me to the great journey! It looks very unique festival and like Mexico! The black cat suits this feast:)

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    Replies
    1. ShirleyNovember 3, 2014 at 9:57 AM

      This post reminds of similar tours you have taken around Japan so I'm glad I could show you something our our town too. The cat lives in the village and it was fun to see on this day.

      Delete
  5. TexasDebNovember 2, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    Too much fun - thank you very much for sharing! Those calavera street light covers might be my favorite of everything... Here in Austin there are a few much smaller Dia observations. I've got a weak spot for marigolds and usually plant one or two just to have for the very small ofrenda we put up at our house (minus the food treats because our cats showed way too much interest).

    I've always meant to get to SA this time of year and this has really lit the fire.

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    1. ShirleyNovember 3, 2014 at 9:59 AM

      I could imagine the cats would love to snatch a treat or two and now I wonder why the cats that live in La Villita don't take their treats too.

      Delete
  6. sweetbayNovember 2, 2014 at 8:29 AM

    I've always thought the Day of the Dead tradition was beautiful and interesting.

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    Replies
    1. ShirleyNovember 3, 2014 at 10:03 AM

      It has become increasingly popular in recent years probably for that reason.

      Delete
  7. outlawgardenerNovember 2, 2014 at 11:16 PM

    I always enjoy seeing more of your beautiful city. Day of the Dead celebrations are becoming more popular here but there are no large public displays like the ones you've shown. Beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. ShirleyNovember 3, 2014 at 10:04 AM

      I think in most places it is probably more of a carnival and here you see the true roots of the tradition.

      Delete
  8. Casa MariposaNovember 4, 2014 at 5:09 PM

    I haven't spent much time in San Antonio but would love to see the city again. I only saw the Riverwalk 22 years ago. Being a tourist at home can be a blast because you get to sleep in your own bed at night. :o) Looks like a fun day. :o)

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  9. Pam/DiggingNovember 10, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    How fun to see how San Antonio celebrates Dia de Los Muertos. I love the festive decorations!

    ReplyDelete

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