Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is part of Mexican culture. The holiday happens around November 1. People use it to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have died. They set up altars called ofrendas. The displays have candles, food, decorations, and photos. People paint their faces as colorful skulls. There are parades and festivals.
As Mexicans have moved around the world, these have spread too. One example is Muertos Fest at Hemisfair. It is the largest Día de los Muertos festival in San Antonio, Texas. The 2025 festival will be on October 25 and 26. There is also a special event the night before. It is a to a recently lost San Antonio legend — musician Flaco Jimenéz.
Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenéz was born in San Antonio in 1939. He grew up in a musical family. He began performing with his dad when he was just 7 years old. Jimenéz played the accordion like his father and grandfather. That instrument has buttons or keys like a piano on one side. It has more buttons on the other. In the middle, there is a part called the bellows. A player opens and closes it to move air through the instrument to make sounds.
In the 1960s, Jimenéz performed across Texas. He traveled around playing in dance halls. He later became known beyond the state. Jimenéz worked with music superstars. They include Bob Dylan, Carlos Santana, Linda Ronstadt, and the Rolling Stones. He won six Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
There are many names for the music Jimenéz played. Tejano music mixes Mexican, American, and European styles. Norteño is named for northern Mexico. Tex-Mex has from Texas and Mexico. Jimenéz was also known for conjunto. That is a term for a small group of instruments.
Whatever you call the music, Jimenéz was a master of it. Sadly, the Tex-Mex titan died in July 2025. He was 86 years old. Now, his hometown will pay tribute to him at Muertos Fest. Musicians will perform. One is Jimenéz’s brother.
Jim Mendiola helped plan the festival. “Flaco Jiménez is not only a San Antonio treasure, but a global icon,” he said. “It is an honor to pay tribute to him in this special way.” Mendiola added that the fest has “the community, music, and traditions” that Jimenéz helped grow.
By Ashley Morgan
Updated October 3, 2025, 5:00 P.M. (ET)
