San Antonio's Office of Historic Preservation is welcoming residents to a unique cinematic experience with "Picnic and a Movie in the Eastside Cemeteries," slated for Saturday, October 18, amidst the backdrop of the city's storied resting places. The gates will open at 6 p.m., with the film starting at 7 p.m., and admission is completely free, according to an announcement on the City of San Antonio's website.
The event celebrates Día de Los Muertos, featuring a screening of Disney's “Coco,” a film that encompasses themes of remembrance and family traditions; it’s a fitting choice for the occasion, which also includes a scavenger hunt and the invitation to contribute to a community ofrenda, attendees can pay homage to their ancestors by bringing photos and mementos of their dearly departed and for those interested in local history, this gathering is more than just entertainment. It serves a dual mission: to enjoy the park-like environment of these sanctuaries and to raise awareness about the OHP's Cemetery Steward Program, which has been active since 2020 seeking to enhance, educate, and preserve these hallowed grounds where influential figures and the everyday people who built the city lie alike, walking through the Eastside Cemeteries is like traversing through San Antonio's past with stories etched in stone, yearning to be heard.
Family-friendly and open to all, the event encourages visitors to pack picnics, a throwback to age-old traditions of breaking bread in the company of those who have crossed over; it aims to foster a connection between community and history, all while enjoying the cinematic arts. “This was such a wonderful activity, bringing back the memories of when families had picnics and gathered in the cemetery. Very well organized. Please do this again,” an attendee from the previous event expressed in a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio's website. People should feel free to come with blankets and lawn chairs to settle into the Saturday evening.
In conjunction with this event, the City is also encouraging public engagement in shaping the future of these communal spaces, as they are working with consultants to develop an updated Historic Eastside Cemeteries Master Plan, and there's been an ongoing effort to collect community input through surveys and meetings, an opportunity that will also be present during the movie night. For more details on the event and to RSVP, which is not required but encouraged for receiving event information and reminders, the public can visit the official City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation's notice.
