San Antonio's Woodlawn Lake Día de los Muertos festival is canceled over immigration enforcement worries

One of San Antonio's best-loved fall gatherings will not happen this year. Organizers of the annual Día de los Muertos festival at Woodlawn Lake Park announced they are canceling the event that was planned for Nov. 2.

Why it was called off

Planet K, the group behind the festival, said in a social media post on Wednesday that it was acting because of the current political and economic climate and fears tied to immigration enforcement. The group said the decision was not made lightly.

Only the second time

The festival has been canceled only once before in two decades. That was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers apologized to charities, vendors, artists, families and community groups that have counted on the celebration for years.

Hope for next year

Planet K said it has faith that the festival can return in 2027. Día de los Muertos honors loved ones who have died with altars called ofrendas, marigolds, food and music. The Woodlawn Lake event has been a place where families gather to remember them.

Other San Antonio events are still planned across the city this fall and many neighborhoods, museums and churches build their own altars. Families who wanted to take part can still honor their loved ones at home with photos, candles and a favorite meal.