From Frida Kahlo’s home to inspiration for ‘Coco,’ travel to Mexico with KSAT in October for Day of the Dead

KSAT visited Mexico City, Monarch butterfly reserve, Guanajuato to learn more about Dia de los Muertos

GUANAJUATO, Mexico – For the second year in a row, a KSAT crew traveled to Mexico to learn more about the cultural impact and significance of Dia de Muertos throughout Central and North America.

Anchor Isis Romero, photojournalist Misael Gomez and digital journalist RJ Marquez traveled to Mexico in February before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill to gain a deeper understanding of the Mexican holiday, which is a celebration of life and death.

(KSAT 2020 Day of Dead Coverage)

Throughout October and leading to Day of the Dead on Nov. 2, KSAT’s coverage will take viewers from the historic boroughs of Mexico City to the bright and colorful alleys of Guanajuato, a city that was part of the inspiration for the blockbuster Pixar film “Coco.”

Symbols of Day of the Dead are found in many places across Mexico throughout the year. In San Antonio, we see the Monarch butterflies make the early part of their yearly migration north.

These butterflies are found deep within the forests outside of Mexico City. KSAT traveled to Cerro Pelon where millions of Monarchs can be seen on trees and flying in the air. Each butterfly is believed to hold the spirit of a lost loved one.

(KSAT 2020 Day of Dead Coverage)
(KSAT 2020 Day of Dead Coverage)
(KSAT 2020 Day of Dead Coverage)

The mystical Alebrije is also a very recognizable symbol of the holiday. We will explain the history of the fantastical creature and its meaning in folk art.

Iconic artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are still very much present in Mexican culture.

We visited each of their homes and will explore how they have shaped the culture and their influence on Day of the Dead.

(KSAT 2020 Day of Dead Coverage)

Viewers will take a trip with us to Guanajuato’s most popular tourist attraction, a museum that displays dozens of mummified bodies.

For Mexico, it’s part of a belief not to fear death and part of Guanajuato’s rich history.

For more information on the celebration and holiday, visit our Day of the Dead section on KSAT.com.

(KSAT 2020 Day of Dead Coverage)

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About the Authors:

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.

Misael started at KSAT-TV as a photojournalist in 1987.