Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most iconic celebrations—a centuries-old tradition recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Unlike other cultures where death is associated with grief, in Mexico it is embraced as a natural part of life’s cycle. The Day of the Dead honors the memory of loved ones with joy, color, and deep respect.
This tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic civilizations such as the Mexica, Maya, Purépecha, and Totonaca peoples. Over time, it fused with Catholic traditions brought by Spanish colonizers, creating the vibrant holiday celebrated today on November 1st and 2nd, when it is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living.
Across the country, families create ofrendas (altars) in homes and cemeteries, decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and favorite foods of the deceased. Sugar skulls, pan de muerto, and Catrina figures have become iconic symbols of this celebration.
Each region of Mexico has its own unique way of observing the holiday, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. Here are five of the most emblematic places to experience Day of the Dead with unmatched spirit:
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán: Janitzio Island
Pátzcuaro and Janitzio Island are renowned for hosting one of the most authentic and traditional Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. The Purépecha community continues to practice ancient rituals to honor their ancestors. On the night of November 1st, the island glows with candlelight as families gather in cemeteries to sing, pray, and keep vigil. Their vibrant ofrendas filled with traditional foods, sugar skulls, and marigolds create a moving and deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Mexico City: Day of the Dead Parade and Mixquic
Mexico City has become famous for its colorful Day of the Dead Parade, as seen in the James Bond film Spectre. Held in the historic center, it features parades, alebrijes, and lively performances. For a more traditional experience, head to San Andrés Mixquic in the Tláhuac borough, where ancestral rituals, altars, Masses, and thousands of candles fill the local cemeteries with an unforgettable glow. It’s the perfect blend of contemporary celebration and ancient tradition.
Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca: Traditions and Altars
Oaxaca becomes a magical destination during the Day of the Dead. The city bursts with marigold-filled markets, traditional food, and colorful comparsas (costumed parades). The Oaxacan altars are among the most elaborate in Mexico, and the warmth of its people makes you feel like part of the tradition. A visit to Xoxocotlán Cemeteryshowcases the devotion with which locals remember their loved ones.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato: Festival de la Calaca
San Miguel de Allende blends tradition and modernity in its celebration. The Festival de la Calaca is a cultural event featuring music, art exhibits, workshops, and Catrina parades that fill the cobblestone streets with life. The city’s squares and homes are decorated with altars, and visitors are invited to participate in immersive, artistic experiences that honor the dead in a festive atmosphere.
Mérida, Yucatán: Hanal Pixán
In Mérida, the Day of the Dead takes a distinct turn with Hanal Pixán, a Maya tradition meaning “food for the souls.” Yucatecans build altars decorated with traditional dishes like pib (a tamal cooked in an underground oven), atole, fruit, and more. Plaza Grande transforms into a cultural stage with Maya altars, music, and dance, highlighting a deep spiritual connection to the ancestors.
The Day of the Dead is deeply embedded in Mexican identity, and each region celebrates it in its own remarkable way. These five destinations offer immersive, emotional, and unforgettable experiences that connect us with the cycle of life and death—and the beauty in between.
Sala de Despecho: gastronomía, coctelería y música… ¡para cantar!
Tradición y sabor: chiles en nogada con toque francés en Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
