SAN ANTONIO -- Bright and beautiful barges floating along the River Walk are certainly nothing new.

However, when you add it onto the Day of the Dead celebration, they take on a whole new meaning. We got a sneak peak at some of the floats for the first ever River Parade to kick-start the Day of the Dead celebrations in San Antonio.

The spirit of the dead will come to life Friday, November 1 along the River Walk. Sixteen uniquely decorated barges will carry representatives from local organizations, dignitaries, and guests.

Six barges will be for children. Each float is made in Mexico and will have a theme or special story relating to the Day of the Dead.

“Day of the Dead is something that is growing in the world and we wanted to take it around different countries. We did it in Russia last year, so we said, 'The United States, that’s home and the perfect city is San Antonio.' So we came here. Everybody has accepted us very well. So here we are and I hope we stay here forever,” said Day of the Dead San Antonio CEO Javier Ruiz-Galindo.