Experience the color, culture and meaning of Día de los Muertos at Hotel Contessa. Located along the River Walk parade route, our all-suite hotel places you in the heart of San Antonio’s celebrations, with festive experiences, seasonal flavors and special ways to honor the lives and stories that continue to shape us.
Hotel Contessa was created to reflect the independent spirit, rich culture and welcoming warmth of San Antonio. Día de los Muertos brings those values to life through vibrant traditions that celebrate family, memory and connection.
Throughout the season, guests can experience thoughtfully designed displays, festive touches and gatherings inspired by this meaningful celebration. Every detail offers an opportunity to remember the past, celebrate the present and create new memories together.
See the River Walk come alive with illuminated floats, colorful costumes, music and beautifully crafted tributes during the Day of the Dead River Parade.
Hotel Contessa offers an unforgettable view of the celebration from our River Walk patio Reserve your seats and enjoy the parade from one of the best locations along the route.
Turn Día de los Muertos into a River Walk getaway with a seasonal stay at Hotel Contessa. Enjoy spacious all-suite accommodations, festive amenities and convenient access to celebrations throughout downtown San Antonio.
Best Seat for the Día de los Muertos Parade
Celebrate the Día de los Muertos River Parade from Hotel Contessa’s front row. This limited San Antonio River Walk package includes:
A Colorful Día de los Muertos Escape
Experience Día de los Muertos in San Antonio from the heart of the River Walk. This seasonal package includes:
Celebrate the season through colorful, hands-on experiences inspired by Día de los Muertos. Hotel guests and local visitors are invited to create something meaningful while gathering with friends and family.
Adult Sip & Paint: Ceramic Sugar Skull | October 24
Enjoy a creative evening designed just for adults. Sip a featured beverage while painting and personalizing your own ceramic sugar skull to take home.
Kids’ Wooden Sugar Skull Painting | October 24
Young artists can decorate their own wooden sugar skull using bright colors and imaginative designs. Each child will leave with a festive keepsake of their own.
Create a Día de los Muertos Floral Headpiece | October 22
Design a colorful floral headpiece inspired by the flowers and vibrant imagery of Día de los Muertos. Choose your favorite colors and create a wearable piece for the celebration.
Continue the celebration at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails with seasonal drinks, Texas-inspired dining, and a riverside setting in the heart of the festivities.
Día de los Muertos Featured Cocktails
From October 16 through November 2, Ambler will offer a limited-time cocktail menu featuring Mijenta Tequila and flavors inspired by the color and spirit of the season.
Día de los Muertos Parade Dining Experience
On October 23, pair the excitement of the Día de los Muertos River Parade with a special dining experience at Ambler. Enjoy a curated dinner along the River Walk as illuminated floats, vibrant costumes, and cultural tributes pass directly beside Hotel Contessa.
Seating is limited, and advance reservations are required.
Discover official Day of the Dead celebrations near Hotel Contessa and throughout downtown San Antonio.
Día de los Muertos Tradition Trail
Throughout October–November 2
Explore colorful alebrijes, oversized calaveras, traditional altars, and larger-than-life catrinas along the San Antonio River Walk.
Río de la Vida: Tradition Trail Tour
Tuesdays and Sundays, October 4–November 1
Experience the Tradition Trail aboard a guided GO RIO cruise featuring Día de los Muertos artwork and cultural storytelling.
Day of the Dead River Parade
October 23
Watch illuminated floats, costumed performers, and colorful tributes travel along the River Walk, directly past Hotel Contessa.
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
October 23–25
Enjoy community altars, live music, cultural processions, artisan vendors, and family activities at San Antonio’s signature Día de los Muertos festival.
Calaverita Run 5K and Family Walk
October 24
Join a festive Day of the Dead-inspired run and family walk beginning at La Gloria at Pearl.
Día de los Muertos at Historic Market Square
October 24–25
Experience traditional altars, mariachi, cultural performances, local vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Día de los Muertos at Pearl
October 27–November 3
Discover colorful ofrendas, art installations, live entertainment, and community celebrations at Pearl.
Altares y Ofrendas at Centro Cultural Aztlan
November 2–12
Explore an annual exhibition of artist-created altars honoring the cultural traditions and meaning of Día de los Muertos.
Stay close to San Antonio’s most memorable Día de los Muertos events while enjoying spacious suites, warm hospitality and a front-row location on the River Walk.
