On the road: Texas, this time in the south
San Antonio, part 1: River Walk Parade 2024
“You have to see this! For me, it's the prettiest place in North America,” a friend said to me. Parades are not really my thing, but I really like illuminations. So I made my way to downtown San Antonio for this year's River Walk Parade - and have no regrets.
The River Walk is a river promenade that runs through the city center along the San Antonio River, a good three miles long at its core and lined with subtropical vegetation, cafés and boutiques. The River Walk Parade takes place every year on the day after Thanksgiving, the biggest holiday in the USA, and ushers in the Christmas season in this South Texas city. I won't write much and let the pictures do the talking.
Mexican influence
Every year on October 25, San Antonio also hosts the Day of the Dead River Parade, “Día de los Muertos”, , which is traditionally celebrated in Mexico on November 1 and 2. The parade honors life and the memory of deceased loved ones. Barges parade along the San Antonio River, elaborately decorated with altars, costumed riders and “catrinas”. The figure of the Catrina is a symbol of the “Día de los Muertos”: a skeleton dressed in a hat and dress, reminiscent of the Mexican upper class in pre-revolutionary times. It was created by the Mexican engraver José Guadalupe Posada to poke fun at the Mexican upper class of the time. “Catrina” is the Spanish term for a wealthy or rich person, albeit with a derogatory and sarcastic undertone. Catarinas became particularly popular during the revolution from 1910 to 1920 and found their way into Mexico's cultural self-portrayal at the latest when Diego Rivera included La Catrina in his mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central.
In the Day of the Dead River Parade on the San Antonio River, each barge represents a different figure or tradition associated with the Day of the Dead. Particularly impressive: the giant skulls, which are opulently designed by artists from San Antonio. However, I have only seen them in photos and videos taken by others. Next year, I hope to be able to present my own pictures of them here.
On the way back to my car, which I have parked a good distance away from the festivities, the noise and excitement of the parade slowly recede. In the small streets, I enjoy the Christmas decorations, which are modest in comparison, just as much.
