As San Antonio’s Market Square readies itself for the inaugural Calaveras de Azúcar event on November 2nd and 3rd, Yvette Ramirez—president of the San Antonio Farmers Market Plaza Association, and daughter of one of the first 13 original business owners at the Farmers market—brings her vision of culture, community, and connection to life. This event, a celebration of Día de los Muertos, aims to blend tradition with community engagement in a way that will offer San Antonians a chance to honor those who have passed while appreciating the local heritage.
In describing the heart of this event, Ramirez said, “We’re blessed to have this type of market. It’s a space where we can honor our culture, come together as a community, and support our local artisans and musician’s.” The Market Square, with the farmers market at its center, has grown to become a designated cultural zone in San Antonio, encompassing landmarks such as the historic Alameda Theater and The Museo Alameda. From fresh produce and local meat to fish, vegetables, and fruits, visitors to Market Square were once able to find everything they needed to stock their kitchens. “Produce row,” a cherished part of the farmers market, even allowed a drive-through option where visitors could conveniently pick up essentials along with brooms, piñatas, and pottery directly from Mexico. The Market Square’s cultural events, always free and open to the public, have stayed rooted here to honor San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage.
Yvette’s father, Louis Ramirez, retired Air Force Veteran, and her mother Deanna Martell Ramirez the spearhead for business, drew them to start the family business in the market. Her parents instilled in their five children a work ethic grounded in community support and cultural pride. “My parents inspired us to sell door to door Mexican pottery,” she shared. “It’s the work ethic they passed down to us, teaching us that our culture and our community are what keep our spirits alive.” Initially, 13 business owners, including the Ramirez family, set up shop, selling out of vehicles. As the market grew, her father and mother worked tirelessly to bring local vendors together, eventually securing a store in the farmers’ building.
From those early days of selling items out of their family vehicle, the Ramirez family has watched the market grow into a thriving cultural epicenter where San Antonio’s history and spirit are kept alive through food, art, and community celebrations. Today, the market is a platform for renowned artists like Armando Sanchez, Nick Soupe, Rolando Alvarez, and many more, who contribute their talents to Market Square. This artistry is deeply interwoven into San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage, creating a vibrant cultural landscape that’s inspiring to a new generation. “The youth are hungry for this knowledge. It’s our culture—it’s how we keep their spirit alive,” Ramirez expressed passionately.
The Calaveras de Azúcar celebration will include traditional altars for pets, loved ones, and even for those we may not know personally, inviting people to honor lives in all forms. Local artisans and vendors will offer handmade items while food vendors serve up favorites like tripas and gorditas, adding the vibrant flavors of Hispanic culture to the experience. Market Square gives artists a platform to showcase their work, ensuring that future generations learn about and honor their roots. “It’s our way of contributing to the city and giving back to the community,” Ramirez said, adding that the market square is a testament to San Antonio’s dedication to preserving its Hispanic heritage.
For Yvette Ramirez and her family, life has come full circle at Market Square, where each Calaveras de Azúcar celebration reminds people of the importance of community, culture, and tradition. Her message to everyone: “Life is short. Don’t forget where you come from—our culture and heritage keep our spirits alive. And most importantly, don’t forget the people before us. They paved the way for the lives we live today, and it’s up to us to honor their memories.”
