Where to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico

15.10.2024 - 22:25 / travelpulse.com / Los Cabos

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, Día 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. We’ve made a list of the best Día de los Muertos celebrations across the country and what makes them so special.

Remember, if you choose to visit during Día 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 has a grand Día 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. You’ll 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 Zócalo that is a must-see. Visit the Xochimilco canals for Día 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. They’re hosting a Catrinas Parade Brunch on October 27 with guest bartenders from Mezcal Siete Misteriors. On November 2, they’ll also have a Day of the Dead Parade Brunch with themed deserts at their Diana Restaurant which overlooks Paseo de la Reforma.

Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico, so it makes sense that it’s a popular destination for Día de los Muertos. Spend your days admiring the various ofrendas throughout the city including at the famous cemetery, Museo Panteón de Belén, as well as at Museo de la Ciudad de Guadalajara, Casa Museo López Portillo, and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas.

Perhaps the most notable celebration of Día de los Muertos happens in Tlaquepaque. It’s here where a parade is held, as well as a Catrinas Brides Fashion Show. You’ll also want to visit Calaverandia at Ávila Camacho Park, a Día de los Muertos theme park.

Yep, you read that right—a 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.