Everything About Day of the Dead in Mexicoâs Top Destinations
Celebrating the Day of the Dead (DĂa de Muertos) in Mexico is not just an annual tradition; it is a way to honor the loved ones who are no longer in this world. Those who have departed still have family, friends, and people on earth who await them every November 1st and 2nd to show gratitude and welcome them when the veil between life and death becomes one.
DĂa de Muertos is a vibrant celebration, rich in emotion, symbolism, and, above all, love.
Mexico is the ultimate country for this celebration, where you will find streets, monuments, and even shops and commercial centers adorned in accordance with this beautiful tradition.
What are the Best Destinations to Celebrate Day of the Dead?
1. OAXACA
Visit Oaxaca to participate in comparsas (street parades), dress up as catrines (dapper skeletons), catrinas (elegant skeleton figures), alebrijes (fantastical creatures), and devils, all while enjoying the delicious aroma of Mole, Tlayudas, and hot chocolate.
The streets are painted with colors, fantastic animals from Mexican mythology, regional folk dances, and countless cultural activities (for 7 days!) For many, Oaxaca is the best place to experience the true essence of this tradition. You will find altars everywhere and the scent of cempasĂșchil (marigolds) filling every corner of the city.
How is Day of the Dead Celebrated in Oaxaca?
The most popular activities for celebrating the Day of the Dead season in Oaxaca are:
- The Altars: Families build altars inside or outside their homes, and sometimes even in the cemeteries.
- The Convite: A large-scale parade that travels through the streets of Oaxaca with brass band music, floats, and enormous skeleton costumes.
- The Comparsas: Street parties where practically anyone can join to dance and enjoy the traditional music, whether they are Mexican or not.
Essential Day of the Dead Foods in Oaxaca:
The traditional Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead), Mole, hot chocolate, Mezcal, and Pletatamal, Oaxaca's typical dish to celebrate and honor the lives of the departed.
2. JANITZIO, MICHOACĂN
Going to Janitzio, MichoacĂĄn, to admire the spectacle of canoes illuminated by candles on Lake PĂĄtzcuaro, while songs and prayers make the atmosphere feel like it is straight out of a movie, is a definitive "yes" for celebrating Day of the Dead like never before.
Celebrating on Lake PĂĄtzcuaro is an unmissable experience. Lights, aromas of food and flowers fill the air, while songs and the cold breeze completely immerse you in Mexicoâs most popular tradition during this time of year.
How is Day of the Dead Celebrated in Janitzio, MichoacĂĄn?
In Janitzio, Day of the Dead is celebrated with a night procession that goes to the cemetery, where the families of the departed decorate the graves with candles, cempasĂșchil flowers, and ofrendas (offerings) such as food or special objects that the deceased loved in life.
Fisherfolk often illuminate their nets for the journey across the PĂĄtzcuaro River, where you can witness a unique spectacle, full of lights on the water, delicious aromas, and the breeze that embraces you. During this season, the island is filled with families, tourists, and festive activities where music, food, and MichoacĂĄn handicrafts are the main focus.
TIP: You can only reach the island by boat, so plan ahead.
Main Activities and Traditions in Janitzio during Day of the Dead:
- Altars and Offerings: Families create altars on the graves with food, bread, fruit, and other mementos for their loved ones. It is important not to take ANY item from the offering during the days of pilgrimage or visit.
3. MEXICO CITY
Visit San Andrés Mixquic in CDMX (Mexico City) to experience the traditional Alumbrada (Illuminating), an unmissable activity where all the lights are turned off and the cemeteries are illuminated by countless candles. The Alumbrada occurs on the night of November 1st, when all electric light is extinguished to light thousands of candles in the cemetery.
Throughout the night, attendees and visitors can enjoy singing, laughter, dancing, beautiful sights in the sky, and a wonderful atmosphere. The celebration extends into the next day with family altars and visits from everyone who wishes to join the tradition.
Don't forget your camera; the monumental and beautiful sculptures are always worthy of a spot on your Instagram.
How is Day of the Dead Celebrated in San Andrés Mixquic?
Families from all over Mexico City, and even from neighboring or distant states, gather to begin the Alumbrada. During this time, families prepare the offerings, the altars, and the welcomes for their loved ones who will visit these lands on November 1st and 2nd. Amidst drinks, food, cempasĂșchil flowers, photos, memories, candles, and glasses of water, families perform rituals for the transition between life and death. These include the burning of copal (incense) and dances, which are believed to be important for helping the deceased return to this plane.
On November 1st, a bell ringer tours the streets of Mixquic. A small offering is usually given as thanks for their work, as they pray for the souls of those who have not yet managed to cross to the other side during their route.
4. CANCUN & PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Xcaret often celebrates its own "Life and Death Traditions" Festival, held from October 31st to November 2nd. There are daytime activities like Copal ceremonies with Mayan Guides and spectacular nighttime performances. The park is usually open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during these dates.
The best part? It has limited capacity, and the experiences are different every year. Although the Yucatan Peninsula and Quintana Roo share similar traditions, this festival usually represents the traditions and cultures of a different state of the Mexican Republic each year. MichoacĂĄn, Oaxaca, and YucatĂĄn are some of the locations that have served as inspiration for the Day of the Dead events that this park hosts annually.
How is Day of the Dead Celebrated at Xcaret Park?
During the Day of the Dead season (October 31st to November 2nd), visitors can enjoy:
- Performances such as theater, dance, and concerts by famous Mexican artists.
- Parades.
- Workshops and activities to create offering handicrafts.
- Tours of Mexican altars.
All these activities change year after year, so you will never experience the same Day of the Dead celebration when you visit Xcaret.
Nearby Options for a Typical YucatĂĄn Day of the Dead Celebration:
The squares, streets, residential areas, and even the Municipal Palace in CancĂșn, Playa del Carmen, and MĂ©rida are filled with color and tradition with calaverita (literary skull/rhyming verse) contests, catrina costume competitions, and more to keep the tradition alive. There are also commemorative altars and typical regional food, such as Pibipollo and Mucbipollo (large, baked tamales).
đ„ł Day of the Dead Activities for Tourists
- Visit cemeteries to accompany families during the vigil and decorate graves.
- Participate in Catrina parades, costume contests, and calavera competitions.
- Taste typical seasonal gastronomy, such as mole, tamales, pibipollos, traditional Mexican candies, hot chocolate, and pan de muerto.
- Attend cultural events and festivals like the one at Xcaret (recommended).
As a tourist, you can create your own personalized altar with traditional elements of Mexican culture. Don't know what a Day of the Dead altar includes? Here's what you need:
- Water
- Candles
- Your loved one's favorite food when they were alive
- Papel picado (decorative paper cutouts), cempasĂșchil flowers
- Salt
- A photograph of your loved one
- Copal incense
- Personal items belonging to your loved one
- A religious object, such as a cross or a candle
- Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead) (optional)
- Calaveritas de AzĂșcar (sugar skulls)
- A clay dog
It is always recommended to stay attentive and open to the different beliefs, customs, and traditions of each place you visit. This is an experience that few allow themselves to enjoy, but it is beautiful and part of what makes Mexico such a special country.
đ Tips on How to Prepare for Day of the Dead Anywhere in Mexico
- Wear comfortable clothing: Preferably denim or light fabric pants like linen, and cotton shirts or tops in neutral colors without offensive or disrespectful prints or phrases for the occasion.
- Use comfortable footwear: Such as casual sneakers or flexible-soled shoes, for walking long distances in streets, parks, plazas, and cemeteries. Avoid new or uncomfortable shoes (No one wants blisters on this journey!).
- Bring a light jacket or sweater: To adapt to temperature changes between day and night. In cities like Oaxaca and MichoacĂĄn, this tip will be helpful, especially because the night is quite cold during these dates. If you come from a very cold place, you do not have to worry, but remember that the humidity level is not the same everywhere, so take precautions.
- Bring accessories like hats, caps, and sunglasses. Who knows? You might find a face painter who transforms you into a perfect catrĂn or catrina worthy of celebrating the tradition (these will also serve to protect you from the sun during the day).
- Wear accessories according to the festivity: Flowers (preferably cempasĂșchil), many colorful bracelets, necklaces, and, of course, face paint is a must. It is always recommended to be respectful and not overdo it.
- Respect the Cemeteries: The cemeteries in the mentioned locations also participate in the tradition. We recommend being very respectful if you plan to visit one, as they are sacred places where the bodies of the souls who will return to spend time with their loved ones rest.
- Plan your trips in advance, especially during these dates, to secure your accommodation and entrance to the most popular destinations.
âš Fun Facts About Day of the Dead in Mexico
- The Day of the Dead tradition is so special and unique that it is officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO!
- Although it is an event known to all Mexicans, the production of the Disney-Pixar film "Coco" greatly popularized the festivity worldwide. Now, people of all ages from around the world yearn to learn about these beautiful traditions.
- The souls of the dead return from MictlĂĄn (the underworld) during these dates to coexist with their loved ones, guided by the light of the altar candles, their favorite objects, and photographs in the offerings.
- In Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, sawdust rugs are made. These have colorful designs that adorn the streets and are fundamental for the processions. They are mainly made of sawdust, petals, rice, and other organic materials.
- In Janitzio, MichoacĂĄn, the Indigenous community rows all night with a lit candle towards the island, where they will accompany their loved ones who are no longer in this plane, in a spiritual and silent night full of love and lights.
Living, feeling, and celebrating this beautiful tradition is something you can't miss! Have you visited any of these places during the Day of the Dead celebrations? Tell us about your experience.
Published on Oct 31, 2025
