Visitors to Luminaria 2023 take a gander at an art installation. Credit: Jaime Monzon

San Antonio’s Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival is will light up St. Paul Square this Saturday.

As per usual, the colorful annual celebration of Alamo City creatives will include art installations, live music, dance performances, film, poetry and more. However, this will mark its first time it’s taking place in the storied East Side entertainment district.

Organizers challenged this year’s 100-plus participating artists to reimagine the historic area by creating works that adapt to its buildings, railroad facilities, balconies, courtyards and other public areas. The art installations and performance spaces will span from East Commerce Street to the Alamodome.

As with past versions of the free, all-ages event, visitors will be able to engage directly with the artists to understand their creative processes.

“I am thrilled to have so many partners unite for a one-night celebration of the arts, culture, team spirit and life,” Luminaria Executive Director Yadhira Lozano said in an emailed statement. “Working together with people and organizations that truly believe in showcasing San Antonio as an international arts destination and celebrating our unique character reminds us of how special we are to live and work here.”

This ofrenda was one of the installations on display at last year’s Luminaria. Credit: Jaime Monzon

Legendary Tejano singer Shelly Lares will open this year’s festivities with a performance that includes her latest single, “She’s a Trailblazer,” alongside MC Squishy from Los Angeles and Grammy winner Rebecca Valadez, according to organizers.

Vanita Leo, El Gallo Dez, Anikka, Rev Ray, Vanessa Cherry and Texas Martini, Chayito Y Los Flamencos de San Antonio, J-Darius, La Golondrina, Ballet Folklorico Sol De San Antonio, Urban-15, Heartless the Monster and others are scheduled perform.

Luminaria debuted in 2008 as a way to highlight San Antonio artists and performers. Then-Mayor Phil Hardberger helped spearhead the event’s creation.

Although Luminaria has been a free gathering since its launch, organizers are offering $100 VIP tickets, available online. The upgraded experience includes access special areas with better views of art installations and music performances, free drink tickets and more.

Free (VIP tickets also available), 6 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Oct. 19, St. Paul Square, luminariasa.org.

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This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 15, 2024.

Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current. He holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his work has been featured in Salon, Alternet, Creative...