San Antonio Zoo is bringing even more color, culture, and tradition to its 40th Annual ZOO BOO!, presented by PNC, with the addition of seven larger-than-life calaveras (sugar skulls) at the all-new Fiesta de los Muertos
Made possible through a special collaboration with Chef Johnny Hernandez and Day of the Dead San Antonio, the vibrant art installations celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Día de los Muertos while showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists.
For Chef Johnny, founder of Day of the Dead Festival at La Villita and River Parade, bringing the Calavera Collection to San Antonio Zoo creates an opportunity to share the significance of Día de los Muertos with new audiences, particularly children and families, while highlighting the creativity and talent of local artists.
“At its heart, Día de los Muertos is about love, remembrance, and the connections we maintain with those who came before us,” said Chef Johnny.
“Education is one of the most important parts of our mission, and San Antonio Zoo is an incredible place to introduce younger generations to these traditions. Each calavera tells a unique story through the eyes of a local artist, and we hope these beautiful works inspire families to learn more about our heritage, celebrate the memories of loved ones, and help keep these traditions alive for ages to come.”
“For generations, San Antonio Zoo has been a place where families come together to make memories and celebrate traditions, and Fiesta de los Muertos is a beautiful extension of that,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo.
“We’re especially excited to partner with Chef Johnny and Day of the Dead San Antonio to bring these incredible works of art to the zoo. These calaveras not only celebrate the creativity of our local artists but also give families an opportunity to connect with the rich culture and traditions that make San Antonio so special. We’re proud to share this experience with our community and visitors from around the world.”
The calaveras are the latest addition to Fiesta de los Muertos, an immersive Día de los Muertos-inspired celebration that debuted this year as part of ZOO BOO! Guests can explore vibrant themed spaces featuring culturally inspired art, live entertainment, face painting, festive food, and more.
Guests can also honor the memory of beloved pets and animals at the zoo’s annual Ofrenda de Animales, where families are invited to place a photo of pets to honor the memory shared with their beloved animals. Guests can bring a photo from home or have one printed at the zoo from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. on weekdays or 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. on weekends.
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, ZOO BOO! presented by PNC continues through November 1, offering families daily trick-or-treating, seasonal treats, interactive animal experiences, and festive entertainment throughout the zoo.
Fiesta de los Muertos and ZOO BOO! are included with standard zoo admission and FREE for San Antonio Zoo members.
For more information, visit sazoo.org