Ghouls and Boys

Texas' largest Dia de los Muertos festival shows new spirit in 2018

Dia de los Muertos San Antonio the Pearl

Embrace the spirit during San Antonio's 2018 Dia de los Muertos celebration.

Photo by @RAWEXSPOSURE

No other city in Texas celebrates Day of the Dead like San Antonio. With Labor Day gone and Halloween candy starting to appear on grocery store shelves, it's officially time to plan fall festivities and travel.

Texas' biggest Dia de los Muertos festival runs October 20 through November 3, giving Austinites plenty of time to visit, enjoy the festivities, and get home in time for trick-or-treating. This year's festival will feature more than 20 unique events ranging from fun runs to spooky tours to glorious altar displays.

Though Dia de los Muertos is always one of San Antonio's best-attended events, this year's Tricentennial celebration will turn it into a can't-miss party. "This collective spirit offers an unforgettable way to experience the city, as well as to gain insight into this unique, historic holiday which views death with lightness and humor rather than fear," organizers say in a release.

Restaurants and bars across the city will also join in the fun with festive decorations, themed events, and, of course, pan de muerto.

Among the highlight's of this year's spirited celebration is Dia de los Muertos at La Villita, a two-day festival running October 28-29. This year's Muertos Fest features the largest open altar exhibition in the city, with more than 30 displays featured.

Those looking to get crafty can head to Traders Village San Antonio on October 20 for a special mask-making workshop beginning at noon. Get the whole family in the spirit of the holiday during a special costume parade, complete with prizes awarded to the best dressed.

For an even dressier affair, consider attending the 2nd annual Catrina Ball. Held on October 27 at the San Antonio Central Library, the $250 tickets are a bit pricey, but proceeds benefit both the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and the Latino Collection and Resource Center.

SAY Sí Muertitos Fest takes over the youth development organization's headquarters on November 2-3, and includes "unique cultural happenings including a multidisciplinary showcase of student art, altars, family folk art workshops, gourmet food, an artisan mercado, and live cultural performances highlighting local dancers, musicians, and entertainers."

And the Pearl will also transform for the festivities. On November 1-2, the development will host artist altars, a procession, live music, and kid's activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Other highlights include the Haunted History Halloween Tour by San Antonio Museum of Art on October 30, the Mala Luna Music Festival October 27-28, and Market Square's Dia de los Muertos celebration November 3-4. Check out the full list of events here.

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GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Hill Country wineries crush summer with grape stomping events

Photo courtesy of Texas Hill Country Wineries

Not all wine stomping is done with the feet.

If you ask Texas Hill Country Wineries, good, clean fun is a tad overrated. The nonprofit’s members are getting messy this summer with a series of grape stomps celebrating harvest season.

Yes, the vast majority of the world’s wines are now made with mechanical destemmers and crushers, but there is no harm in cosplaying as a vendemmiatore hopped up on mezzo vino. As long as you keep the white linen tucked away in the closet.

The main event pays homage to the most famous wine scene in popular culture (unless you count Paul Giamatti guzzling a spit bucket in Sideways). The I Love Lucy Charity Grape Stomp, held August 8-9 at Texas Hills Vineyard, includes live music, a costume contest, freshly made Lucy sangria, and souvenir t-shirts available for purchase. All proceeds benefit area volunteer firefighters.

Meanwhile, other Hill Country wineries are putting their own spin on the harvest tradition. Becker Vineyards will pair its high-stepping event (September 5-6) with cheese and charcuterie from its onsite Verandah Bar. Messina Hof is hosting a raucous harvest festival (August 21-22) with grape picking, and Signor Vineyards will roll out lawn games — just don’t wear cleats into the vat.

Wildseed Farms grape stomp, held every Saturday in August, includes a complimentary glass of wine. Texas Wine Collective adds barbecue and tunes from the Dawson Holland band. Whether two-stepping is the proper technique to release juice from the fruit is up for debate. Maybe try the Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

Whichever event, it might be a good idea to have a good foot scrub waiting at the Airbnb. A full list of grape stomping fun can be found here.

wineries vineyards hill country grape stomping music festivals harvest wine