Immigration Fears Cancel San Antonio’s 20-Year Día de los Muertos Tradition

A Día de los Muertos celebration that has brought thousands of people to San Antonio’s Woodlawn Lake Park for two decades has been canceled this year, with organizers citing fears surrounding federal immigration enforcement.

The annual gathering, scheduled for Nov. 2, was known for its colorful display, family activities and support for local charities. Its cancellation marks only the second interruption in 20 years. The first occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planet K, the Texas retailer that organizes the free event, announced the decision Wednesday, Oct. 14, citing political and economic challenges and what it called “ICE terrorism.”

The organization apologized to the charities, youth programs, artists, vendors and families that have participated in the celebration.

The event is organized independently by Planet K, without involvement from the City of San Antonio or the Woodlawn Lake Community Association.

Fear Extends Beyond Those Facing Deportation

San Antonio City Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito said the cancellation reflects growing anxiety about immigration enforcement in the community, including among American citizens.

“People who are U.S. citizens or not criminals are fearful of ICE,” she told Texas Public Radio.

Gavito said accounts of immigration arrests have affected residents’ willingness to participate in ordinary public activities.

Organizers did not identify a specific planned immigration enforcement operation at the festival. Their decision was based on broader concerns about the current political climate.

The cancellation also affects more than people planning to attend. Local artists and vendors lose an opportunity to sell their work, while charities and community programs lose a gathering that has supported their activities for years.

Planet K expressed hope that the celebration could return in 2027.

Other Día de los Muertos Celebrations Will Continue

San Antonio remains one of the country’s major centers for Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition honoring deceased relatives and friends through altars, flowers, photographs, music and offerings.

The holiday is observed primarily on Nov. 1 and 2, when families gather at homes and cemeteries to remember loved ones.

Despite the cancellation at Woodlawn Lake, several major celebrations are proceeding.

The city’s largest, Muertos Fest at Hemisfair, is scheduled for Oct. 23–25. The free three-day festival will feature more than 80 community-created altars, processions, live music, workshops and a marketplace.

More than 130,000 people attended last year’s festival.

San Antonio is also preparing for its annual Day of the Dead River Parade on Oct. 23, featuring illuminated barges along the downtown River Walk.

The contrast between the canceled neighborhood gathering and the larger events moving forward illustrates how differently organizers are responding to concerns about immigration enforcement.

For families who have gathered at Woodlawn Lake over the past 20 years, however, this November will be different.

An event devoted to remembering loved ones and bringing neighbors together will not take place, even though no immigration enforcement operation has been publicly identified as planned for the celebration.

Planet K hopes the show, music and families will return to the lake next year.