Every year, from November 1-2, Mexican families welcome home the souls of their relatives who have passed.
While this holiday has a personal component that typically revolves around familial homes and the cemeteries where deceased relatives have been laid to rest, Da de los Muertos has evolved into bigger community celebrations full of parades, events, and more.
If you want to learn more about this Mexican holiday, there is no better way place to do so than in Mexico itself. Weve made a list of the best Da de los Muertos celebrations across the country and what makes them so special.
Remember, if you choose to visit during Da de los Muertos always be respectful of the local citizens, the ofrendas (or altars), decorations, and cemeteries, as this holiday is all about communing with loved ones who have passed.
That means not taking photos in cemeteries, touching the altars, or behaving disrespectfully through excessive partying.
Mexico City
Mexico City has a grand Da de los Muertos celebration. Many of the festivities can occur over the course of a week, with the centerpiece being a parade along Avenida Reforma. Youll see floats and people dressed in traditional Mexican apparel and as alebrijes (mythical creatures) or catrinas and catrins (skeletons). There is a Mega Ofrenda in the Zcalo?that is a must-see. Visit the Xochimilco canals for Da de los Muertos rides by?trajinera?(a gondola-type boat) around floating islands.
Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. (Photo Credit: eve orea/Adobe)
We suggest arriving a little early in Mexico City and booking a stay at the St. Regis Mexico City. Theyre hosting a Catrinas Parade Brunch on October 27 with guest bartenders from Mezcal Siete Misteriors. On November 2, theyll also have a Day of the Dead Parade Brunch with themed deserts at their Diana Restaurant which overlooks Paseo de la Reforma.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico, so it makes sense that its a popular destination for Da de los Muertos. Spend your days admiring the various ofrendas throughout the city including at the famous cemetery, Museo Panten de Beln, as well as at Museo de la Ciudad de Guadalajara, Casa Museo Lpez Portillo, and the Instituto Cultural Caba?as.
Perhaps the most notable celebration of Da de los Muertos happens in Tlaquepaque. Its here where a parade is held, as well as a Catrinas Brides Fashion Show. Youll also want to visit Calaverandia at ?vila Camacho Park, a Da de los Muertos theme park.
Yep, you read that righta theme park that brings this celebration to life in a whole new way. Buy your tickets to experience interactive ofrendas, vendors with face painting and pan de muertos, themed shows, and family-friendly areas.
Day of the Dead decorations in Mexico. (Photo Credit: Aubrey/Adobe)
Mrida
Rather than celebrate Da?de?los Muertos, those who live in Yucatn usually celebrate Hanal Pixn, which translates to food for the souls, and thats exactly the case in Mrida. The holiday is also held on October 31-November 2 and features similar traditions such as altars and providing food to the deceased.
If you visit Mrida during Hanal Pixn, head to Plaza Grande to see the altars and how they differ from the rest of the country. Camino de Flores and Paseo de las ?nimas?or Procession of the Souls are the two biggest events of this holiday. Paseo de las ?nimas?is a parade that starts at Cementerio General?de?Mrida?and ends at?Parque San Juan Park. Camino de Flores is usually held at Parque de La Paz and features thousands of plants and flowers in beautiful displays to honor of Hanal Pixn.
Oaxaca
When visiting Oaxaca during Da?de?los Muertos, you might be overwhelmed with all the things you can do C because there is a lot. Da?de?los Muertos tours are very popular for tourists, and last over the course of many days. Choose those that are led by local citizens as they can best inform you on the traditions (and your money will go back into the local economy).
If you do your own self-guided tour, travel to Cultivos el Viejo, a flower field nearby with marigold flowers (a notable symbol used in the holiday celebrations). Within Oaxaca, youll find parades and festivities in El Centro, as well as in Jalatlaco which is a much-loved spot to see ofrendas. The Etla Muerteada parade in Etla is very unique in that men dress in costumes with bells and mirrors and masks that depict the devil, old, or skeletons. They parade through the city with a brass band to welcome the spirits out.
Tapetes, or sand rugs, have become a unique Da?de?los Muertos tradition in the surrounding towns like Zaachila (along Calle Coquiza), Xochimilco, and Xoxocotlan. The nearby town of Mitla should be on your visit list as the town creates notable catrin and catrinas decorations and has bakeries that offer bread-decorating classes during the holiday.
Los Cabos
If you find yourself in Cabos during the Day of the Dead, make your way to San Jos del Cabo for the Secrets of the Catrinas Festival. Otherwise, attend Cabo San Lucas Altares en el Mar Festival where boats are decorated and paraded through the marina. There is also a Mar de Ofrendas Festival event that begins on October 21. You can stroll through downtown Cabo San Lucas to see beautiful altars and decorations. On November 2 in Amelia Wilkes Plaza, the festival will culminate with tastings of traditional dishes and mezcal and tequila.
Many of the resorts will have their own on-site ofrendas and celebrations. For instance, on November 2nd, Montage Los Cabos will host a family-style dinner at their Mezcal Restaurant. It will include live music and traditional altar decorations. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection is hosting its 8th annual EsperanzArte Festival on November 1.
This cultural experience will be a blend of art and culinary offerings where guests can see artists creating altars, local artisans with their work on display, and drinks and bites from guest chef Wilson Alonzo.
San Miguel de Allende
On November 1, visitors and residents of San Miguel de Allende will gather at 8:00 p.m. in the Jardn Principal of San Miguel de Allende for Noche de Catrinas, a parade thats been happening for 23 years. During the day, youll see altars and decorations throughout the city, and at night, people will parade through the streets as catrinas and catrins. Parties and dinners occur throughout the city at hotels, restaurants, and clubs, after the parade.
Live Aqua Day of the Dead. (Photo Credit: Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende)
Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is starting the Da?de?Muertos?celebrations early on October 27 with a Masquerade Gala and Emergent Designer Catwalk that will feature local designers, live music, and food. On November 2nd, Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is hosting the Da?de?los?Fieles Difuntos Dinner created by Executive Chef Ernesto Narvaez and Grupo Posadas Corporate Chef, Gerardo Rivera, that will include a pairing of Tequila Jos Cuervo Reserva?de?la Familia. Live musical performances will end the event. If you plan a stay here, take advantage of Live Aquas Da?de?Muertos?package which features 30 percent off room rates and a $1,000 MXN credit toward the resorts restaurants, including the Gala and curated dinners throughout the weekend.
Zihuatanejo
If youd like to experience an intimate Da?de?Muertos, we suggest a trip to Zihuatanejo. Set on the Pacific side of Mexico, Zihuatanejo is a beautiful beachfront city, and during Da?de?Muertos youll see ofrendas throughout the city and a Day of the Dead Festival in the downtown area and the La Madera cemetery on November 1st and 2nd.
Thompson Zihuatanejo is getting into the spirit with an Altar Building event on October 31st from 4-6 pm. Guests will assist in building the ofrenda at Hao, the oceanfront bar, by contributing photos and mementos related to their ancestors, while enjoying snacks and mocktails. On November 1st, all guests will receive a complimentary pan de muerto, the traditional sweet bread of the holiday, in their rooms. That evening, guests can participate in a four-course Day of the Dead Dinner at Ceniza with live music. November 2nd will feature a Catrina Sugar Skeleton Makeup session and a Day of the Dead Party with food and live music.
Michoacn
Cemetery in Janitzio, Michoacan during Day of the Dead. (Photo Credit: uaurora/Adobe)
Michoacn?is the best place to see many traditional Da de los Muertos celebrations and this is because Ptzcuaro and the island of Janitzio have a large Purpecha community who believe that Lake Ptzcuaro is the door to the underworld. Stay around Lake Ptzcuaro and youll be able to witness very traditional Da de los Muertos celebrations, like in Tzintzuntzan where families parade their altars through the streets and drop marigold petals and burn copal incense to guide their loved ones souls to the cemetery.
Janitzio is the most popular Da de los Muertos celebration and it draws big crowds to the island (so expect long boat wait times). Marigolds and candles fill the island, music plays in the air, and street stalls serve delicious food. We also suggest a visit to Capula Michoacan, to see the regions beautiful pottery that is used in the creation of catrina dolls that are on display during their Catrina festival.
Cancun and Playa del Carmen
If youre visiting Cancun or Playa del Carmen during Da de los Muertos, youll have a lot of experiences to choose from. Its likely that your resort or hotel will have an event or two. For instance, the Kempinski Hotel Cancun is hosting a five-course Noche de Muertos tasting menu on November 2nd. Theyll also have ofrendas throughout the hotel, live music and performances, and even some storytelling.
To see how local citizens of the area celebrate Da de los Muertos, youll need to get off the resort. Head to Playa del Carmens Quinta Avenida for a parade and visit the local markets to shop for sugar skulls, paper marigolds, and pan de muerto. You can also find similar celebrations in Cozumel and ofrendas in Parque de las Palapas in Cancun. As mentioned, Hanal Pixn is celebrated throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Travelers to Cancun can experience how people in the Treyes community celebrate this holiday and tradition with a tour.
Lastly, visit Xcaret from October 30th to November 3rd for the Festival of Life and Death Traditions. Youll enjoy concerts, dances, plays, workshops, exhibitions, and an Interactive Hacienda that all revolve around the Day of the Dead.
Day of the Dead ofrenda. (Photo Credit: Cavan/Adobe)
Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita
Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant place to celebrate Da de los Muertos. Last year they had 50 free activities during the holiday. Not only can you experience their parade (usually on November 2) which goes along the Malecon, but you should also visit the traditional markets to see fresh marigold flowers and stunning altars.
For the last two years, Puerto Vallarta has held the title of The Tallest Calavera Catrina in the World with the statue standing at 92 feet tall last year. Visit this year to see if they can hold the title.
Not too far from Puerto Vallarta is Punta Mita, an area full of popular, luxury resorts. Susurros del Corazon, Auberge Resorts Collection will have altars that lead from the entrance to the ocean and a sunset parade. Theyll also have festivities, cocktails, and music at La Boquita, as well as a Floral Crown Workshop.
Catrinas Fest will be held at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita from November 1-3. The festival begins with a multi-station dinner at Dos Catrinas and will feature makeup artists, stilt walkers, and local musicians. On November 2, theyll have a barbacoa demonstration on the beach, and that night, a multi-course dinner with musicians at Dos Catrinas. Finally, theres a brunch on November 3.
Throughout the weekend, there will be many other experiences like cooking classes, a catrina headpiece and makeup workshop, a sugar skull decorating workshop, a cold porcelain skull workshop, and childrens experiences like mini sugar skull pinata making, DIY paper marigolds, face painting, and a showing of Coco.
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