SAN ANTONIO -- Actress, producer, director and philanthropist Eva Longoria will celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio as the grand marshal of the first-ever Catrinas on the River Parade.
- Lighting up downtown San Antonio on Friday
- Will feature 22 barges featuring local organizations
- Dozens of activities over the weekend
The parade will light up downtown San Antonio with the spirit of the Day of the Dead on Friday at 7 p.m. starting at the Arneson River Theatre.
PHOTOS | Sneak Peak at Catrinas on the River Parade
It will feature more than 22 barges, spotlighting local San Antonio organizations, special guests and dignitaries. Seat sales for the parade benefit the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to local children.
Here’s a breakdown of what to look forward to over the weekend and at the parade:
Official Catrine and Catrina of the Parade
In a nod to the traditions of the Day of the Dead, in addition to a grand marshal, Catrinas on the River features a Catrine and Catrina. The parade’s first-ever Catrine and Catrina are Dick Tips, chairman and CEO of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries, and his wife, Kristin Tips, the president and funeral director of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries. Catrines and Catrinas, elegantly dressed smiling skeleton figures, are an essential part of Day of the Dead festivities. The Tips will be featured on a special barge during the parade.
Dignitaries and Special Guests Join in the Celebration
Joining Longoria and the Tips in the parade will be Mayor of San Antonio Ron Nirenberg, members of the San Antonio City Council and representatives from Joint Base San Antonio. Other very special guests joining Eva’s Heroes as organizations honored in the parade include Children's Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), the Ecumenical Center, Family Violence Prevention Services, Girls Inc. and Morgan’s Wonderland.
READ MORE | SA Day of the Dead to Help Children at CRIT USA
Longoria, a Texas native, co-founded the nonprofit organization Eva’s Heroes to help individuals with intellectual special needs. Based in San Antonio, Eva’s Heroes helps teens and young adults 14 and older who have intellectual special needs integrate and flourish in society. Longoria was inspired to create the non-profit by her older sister, Liza, who was diagnosed with a developmental disability
Day of the Dead San Antonio Festival Events and Activities
Día de los Muertos is a holiday of celebration and remembrance, a time for families and friends to come together to honor those who have passed. The inaugural Day of the Dead San Antonio Festival, presented by H-E-B, will fill La Villita with celebration and remembrance as this new event brings Día de los Muertos. The event will offer free admission across all three days of celebration, November 1-3. Decorative characters and engaging activities featuring live music and performances, workshops, children’s activities, and Mexican food, drinks and shopping are the highlights of this family-friendly event.
READ MORE | New Celebration Coming to San Antonio for Day of the Dead
The remembrance continues Saturday, November 2, during the Celebrate Life 5K Run-Walk at Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries South. Race registration is available through dodsat.com. The race will be held entirely within the cemetery, allowing runners to connect with the spirits of those who have passed. The event will conclude with an afternoon of family fun and remembrance on Sunday, November 3.
Transportation Options to Enjoy Day of the Dead San Antonio
Transportation will be provided by Lyft and VIA Metropolitan Transit. New and existing Lyft users can enter the Smart Ride promo code DAYOFDEAD19 to receive 25 percent off two rides (up to $2 per ride) to and from the festival beginning Friday at 11 a.m. through Sunday at midnight.
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On Saturday, VIA Metropolitan Transit will offer special event service to the Day of the Dead San Antonio Festival in La Villita. It will be available from the Crossroads Park & Ride, 151 Crossroads Blvd., to Market Street at Alamo Street beginning at noon on Saturday and return service will continue until 11 p.m. The special event fare is$2.50 each way with discounted fares available for children, seniors, students, and active-duty military.