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MORE DETAILS / 5K REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
Experience Dia de Los Muertos In DOWNTOWN SAN JUAN CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT
Join us at our 2nd Annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival happening at the San Juan Municipal Park on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This year will be BIGGER and BETTER, as we have partnered with San Juan Housing Authority and Parks and Recs for a 5K Run/Walk, La Catrina's Cantina, El Mercado de La Catrina, Live Art Installation of our amazing “Alfombras de Aserrin,” Catrina/Catrin Face Painters, La Catrina/El Catrin Contest, a Car Show, the largest ofrenda in the United States at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, and we will end the evening with a beautiful mariachi concert with returning Special Guest by popular demand, the Queen of Mariachi, Aida Cuevas!
SERIES OF EVENTS WILL ALL BE DEDICATED TO OUR DEAD LOVED ONES.
If you'd like to be a vendor at this event, contact The City of San Juan, Zoila Martinez at (956) 223-2220 for more information.
Want to get involved? Click "Get Involved" or email us at info@downtownsanjuan.org.
Dia de los muertos IN DOWNTOWN SAN JUAN
PUBLIC OFRENDA
ALFOMBRAS DE ASERRIN
PUBLIC OFRENDA
- Mestizo origins (Spanish and Indian heritage)
- The Aztecs made images out of wood, covered with tzoalli (amaranth seed) dough shaped into human form
USES
- An altar space for prayer
- A place to display food that has been prepared for the soul invited to dinner
- The food isn’t believed to be actually eaten, it’s done in honor of what they enjoyed in life, and so they can enjoy the aroma of it
5K RUN/WALK
ALFOMBRAS DE ASERRIN
PUBLIC OFRENDA
Join us for a 5k Run/Walk celebrating our dead loved ones as we run/walk historic Downtown San Juan, and run through Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle (Stations of the Cross), and enjoy the sights with live mariachi music along the course, beautiful finisher medals, and a post-race Dia de los Muertos celebration. Everyone is welcome!
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!
HISTORY
ALFOMBRAS DE ASERRIN
ALFOMBRAS DE ASERRIN
La Catrina is a popular skeleton figure that is seen everywhere on Dia de los Muertos. She was created by José Guadalupe Posada, a famous Mexican artist.
She was designed as a satire of Mexicans who were trying to dress like affluent Europeans. La Catrina was created to remind people that they must be themselves and not try to imitate others.
ALFOMBRAS DE ASERRIN
ALFOMBRAS DE ASERRIN
ALFOMBRAS DE ASERRIN
The Origin of Alfombras
Alfombras were first introduced to Guatemala in 1524, in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala (now Antigua Guatemala). This tradition was brought by Spanish conquistadors to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, and it has since evolved into a key element of religious expression during Lent and Holy
The Origin of Alfombras
Alfombras were first introduced to Guatemala in 1524, in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala (now Antigua Guatemala). This tradition was brought by Spanish conquistadors to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, and it has since evolved into a key element of religious expression during Lent and Holy Week. Alfombras are carpets made from various plants and flowers, designed to honor the Passion of Christ by lining processional routes during religious processions.
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Why do they use Alfombras
Alfombras are not only decorative but also hold deep religious meaning. The act of creating these carpets reflects devotion, sacrifice, and humility, honoring the Passion of Christ. By walking over the alfombras during processions, participants reinforce the spiritual connection between their faith and the cultural tradition. These carpets, with their intricate designs and symbolic use of natural elements, serve as a form of visual prayer.
the Distinction: Día de los Muertos vs Día de los Angelitos
Celebrated on November 2
Celebrated on November 2 it celebrates, and honors all departed loved ones with joy. Both Día de Los Angelitos and Día de Los Muertos bring families together to remember and love those who are no longer with us.
Celebrated on November 1
It celebrates the lives of innocent children from babies, toddlers, who briefly lived on earth. It has that name, since it’s "commonly believed that all children are innocent and ascend into heaven where they become angels".The atmosphere for Dia de Los Angelitos is cheerful and playful which is why you will see balloons on the altar instead of paper banners.