Experience Vibrant Mexican Tradition during the Day of the Dead Festival

Experience Vibrant Mexican Tradition during the Day of the Dead Festival

Recognized throughout Mexico as Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead is an annual tradition celebrated vibrantly to remember and pay homage to departed family members. The belief is that the spiritual realm draws closer to the living during this unique festival, an experience exclusive to Mexican culture.



Embarking on a journey to Mexico City to witness this firsthand, I found the city streets adorned with vivid decorations, a jovial atmosphere, and local eateries bustling with their commemorative ofrendas. The cultural essence of this festival was truly tangible.

This unique festival, officially observed on November 2nd across Mexico, has evolved into a weeklong celebration. To make the most of your visit, I recommend arriving the weekend preceding the 2nd to witness the captivating Day of the Dead Parade.

Celebration Activities:

Experience iconic Day of the Dead elements such as skeleton figures, local delicacies, ofrendas, and celebration characters at the Zócalo, a prominent landmark and plaza in Mexico City.

Participate in the Day of the Dead parade, an event influenced by the 2015 James Bond movie 'Spectre.' The parade, commencing at El Zócalo, Mexico City's main square, is a spectacle to behold.

Following the parade, the elaborate floats grace the walkways of the Paseo de la Reforma, a perfect setting for capturing stunning photos.

Savor Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead Bread), a traditional Mexican delicacy often featured as altar decor in honor of the departed.

Visit the Day of the Dead relics, open to public view on November 1st and 2nd, located within the Catacombs of the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral.

At the Monumento a la Revolucion, admire the intricate skeleton heads, each representing a different neighborhood in Mexico City.

Attend the evening festivities on the 1st at Zócalo, where the entire city comes alive with vibrant costumes and lively music.

Enjoy a special night ride during the festival, exploring the Legend of La Llorona via the Xochimilco Canals, a unique Aztec-dug waterway.

Discover the festive decor within Bosque de Chapultepec, one of Mexico's largest city parks, open at night on selected days for a night walk.

Pay a visit to a local cemetery where families gather around ornate ofrendas, adorning gravesites with fresh flowers and lit candles.

Continue the celebrations in the local bars on Halloween, which coincides with the Day of the Dead.

On the evening of November 2nd, witness the Mixquic cemetery illuminate under the candlelight. This cemetery is rumored to have inspired the setting in the movie Coco.

Day of the Dead Activities

October 31: Night of the Witches, the eve of Dia de Muertos

November 1: Day of the Innocents, dedicated to deceased children

November 2: Day of the Dead, the grand celebration

Visited last in November 2022