Essential Tips for Dia de los Muertos in Mexico City
Dia de los Muetos (aka The Day of the Dead) is the most famous holiday in Mexico and one of the most recognized international festivals in the world. While technically more than just one day, we headed to the capital to find out how it’s truly meant to be celebrated. While Mexico City’s vibrant ambiance persists year-round, Dia de los Muertos transforms it into an extraordinary explosion of colors and traditions. Despite the morbid naming convention, Day of the Dead is a cultural celebration of life. This guide will have everything you need to know to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in the most epic place!
Background on Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos is actually more of a spiritual celebration, where families honor the memories of deceased loved ones by offering gifts on an ofrenda. This altar is usually decorated with orange marigold flowers, photos of the dearly departed, candles, snacks, and calaveras (sugar skulls). The celebration is a deeply rooted Mexican tradition that blends pre-Hispanic indigenous rituals with Catholic influences brought by the Spanish. The Aztecs believed that death was not the end but rather a transition to another stage of existence. The holiday, celebrated on November 1st (All Saints’ Day) and November 2nd (All Souls’ Day), is a time when families welcome the spirits of their deceased loved ones back to the world of the living with food, music, and heartfelt remembrance.
When to Visit Dia de los Muertos
DÃa de los Muertos is officially observed on November 1st and 2nd, but celebrations begin as early as mid-October. The biggest events take place in the days leading up to and immediately following the holiday, so plan to arrive by late October and stay through November 3rd to catch the full spectrum of festivities. Traditionally, many locals visit cemeteries to pay respects to their loved ones but more recently it has become a city wide celebration. Be sure to book accommodations well in advance since the crowds are immense during this season and prices for flights and hotels surge.
Where to Experience the Best Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
While Dia de los Muertos is recognized all throughout Mexico, there are a few places you might want to keep on your radar for the most epic events. Here’s just a few ideas for which city to visit.
Mexico City
No place in the country does it bigger than its very own capital, Mexico City. The historical center is transformed into theatrical stage with towering skeletons, spooky music, and the Massive Mega Ofrenda. The main event however takes place on November 2nd with a giant parade filled with intricate costumes, marching bands, and dazzling floats. It started at 2pm last time, but details were given almost last minute so be sure to check with the locals or online before hand to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route. It’s a relatively new tradition inspired by the opening sequence of the James Bond film Spectre, but it has quickly become one of the festival’s highlights.
San Andrés Mixquic
For a more traditional experience, head to the town of San Andrés Mixquic, about an hour outside Mexico City. This small town is famous for its deeply authentic observance of DÃa de los Muertos, where locals decorate graves with thousands of candles and marigolds, creating an otherworldly glow in the cemetery at night.
Coyoacán
The bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán is a must-visit, with its lively plazas, colorful altars, and traditional performances. Stop by the Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum), where you’ll often find special exhibits related to the holiday. The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco is also nearby, and they have special events during this season. Sign up for this epic day tour to experience the best of both!
Oxaca
Oaxaca is one of the best places to experience DÃa de los Muertos in its most traditional and deeply rooted form. The city comes alive with vibrant sand tapestries, beautifully adorned altars, and candlelit vigils in cemeteries. The comparsa parades wind through the streets, featuring elaborately costumed dancers and brass bands. Visit the Xoxocotlán and Atzompa cemeteries for a breathtaking display of devotion, where families gather to honor their loved ones with music, food, and heartfelt remembrance.
Extra Tips for Celebrating DÃa de los Muertos in Mexico
- Be respectful at cemeteries. While the atmosphere is festive, it remains a deeply personal time for many families. If you visit, observe quietly and ask for permission before taking photos.
- Try pan de muerto. This sweet bread, often dusted with sugar, is a seasonal staple and a delicious addition to all the amazing foods you’ll be tasting across the city
- Wear comfortable shoes. Many celebrations involve walking long distances, especially in the historic center.
- Get your face painted. The iconic calavera (sugar skull) makeup is not just for show; it symbolizes the beauty and fragility of life. Many people got their faces painted with intricate skull designs which definitely added to the atmosphere
- Book accommodations early. Hotels and Airbnbs fill up fast, particularly in central areas like Roma, Condesa, and Centro Histórico.
- Arrive early to get a good spot along the parade. The crowds are enormous so if you want an unobstructed view of the parade, try to get there at least around 1pm.
- Have some cash on you. Tons of street vendors selling food and other items are around every corner. Some may accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash
- Bring a mask or costume. Since this falls right around Halloween, many travelers dress up or wear a mask so keep that in mind if you want to join the celebrations!
DÃa de los Muertos in Mexico City is not just a festival—it’s an immersion into a worldview where life and death dance together in a celebration of memory, love, and tradition. This dichotomy of life and death grants a refreshing perspective and makes it one of our favorite international festivals in the world. Whether you’re admiring the intricate altars, savoring seasonal treats, or joining the crowds in jubilant remembrance, this is an experience you will never forget. For more tips on everything you need to know before visiting Mexico, check out this guide. And for more of the top 10 best things to do in Mexico, check out this travel blog. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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