How to Experience the Day of the Dead in Mexico City in 2024

For the culturally curious traveler, the Dead of the Dead in Mexico is one of the most interesting festivals to witness in all of Latin America. The captivating festival beautifully honors the memories of deceased loved ones, and travelers get to immerse themselves in a world of colors, emotions and traditions.

Among other places in Mexico, Mexico City is one of the best places to experience the Day of the Dead celebrations.

Do you wish to visit Mexico City for the Day of the Dead in 2024 and wondering how to start planning? We have got you covered.

From when to visit to where to stay to what events to attend and where, in this article, we are going to share all the details to help you plan your trip to Mexico City to experience the Day of the Dead festival in 2024.

What is the Day of the Dead Festival?

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, in Mexico is a unique cultural festival when families come together to honor and remember their deceased loved ones. However, contrary to what you may expect, it is a joyous occasion instead of a mournful one.

During this festival, people set up altars in their homes and at cemeteries to welcome back the spirits of their loved ones for a brief reunion. Marigolds, candles, photos and favorite foods of the deceased adorn the altars. These decorated altars are called ofrendas.

For public events, the Day of the Dead celebrations see colorful parades, large ofrendas at public places, intricate face paintings resembling skulls, and sugar skulls or calaveras, that symbolize death and rebirth.

Have you seen the animation movie Coco? When we watched the movie in 2017, it was the first time we got to know about this vibrant festival in Mexico and its cultural significance. We loved the idea of a happy festival on the theme of death – something very different from the culture we come from.

Now, having visited Mexico during Día de los Muertos, we can tell you that the Day of the Dead is indeed about celebrating life, reminding everyone that the dead are never truly gone but live on in memory and spirit.

When is Day of the Dead Celebrated?

The Day of the Dead is celebrated annually on November 1 and November 2.

November 1 is dedicated to welcoming back the spirits of the deceased children while November 2 is for honoring the deceased adults.

However, the celebrations for the Day of the Dead begin much earlier.

From early or mid October, you will notice ofrendas starting to decorate different parts of the country. There are various parades scheduled for different dates, starting in late October and continuing until the first week of November.

So, if you plan your holiday to experience the Day of the Dead in Mexico, choose your dates from mid October until first week of November.

And if you have lesser number of days to spare, definitely be there during last week of October and first week of November.

Best Cities to Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico

Mexico is a big country offering so many amazing places to visit for travelers.

But when you are choosing your Mexico destination solely for the purpose of experiencing the Day of the Dead celebrations, pick from these:

1. Oaxaca City
2. Mexico City
3. Merida
4. San Miguel de Allende

If this is your first time traveling to Mexico for the Day of the Dead, we recommend Mexico City or Oaxaca City. Or combine these two cities. That is what we did.

Day of the Dead Parades and Events in Mexico City

This article is dedicated to how you can experience the Day of the Dead in Mexico City. So, here we are going to share all the key events and parades that you can expect to see in Mexico City during Día de los Muertos.

Note: The exact dates for all events in 2024 are yet to be released. But we have included the dates for 2023 so that you have an estimate of which dates to book your flights and accommodations for.

Cempazuchil Flower Festival

The Cempazuchil Flower Festival celebrates the vibrant marigold, known as the “flower of the dead”, which plays a crucial role in Day of the Dead altars and decorations.

While you will notice the use of marigold at various ofrendas across the city throughout October, this festival on Paseo de la Reforma takes it up a notch.

The Cempazuchil Flower Festival showcases stunning floral displays, intricate flower carpets, and various art installations, immersing visitors in the fragrant and colorful world of these iconic blooms.

Alebrijes Parade

Alebrijes are vibrant, surreal sculptures, often combining features from various animals to create mythical hybrid creatures.

Artist Pedro Linares López first conceived these unique pieces of Mexican folk art after he experienced a fevered dream filled with these vivid beings.

The Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City organizes the Alebrijes Parade every year, when talented artists expertly craft larger-than-life alebrijes, showcasing extraordinary details and imaginative designs.

During the parade, the streets of Mexico City come alive as these fantastical creatures make their way through the city, captivating spectators.

The Alebrijes Parade not only celebrates the artisanship and dreamlike vision inherent in alebrijes, but also aligns with the Day of the Dead’s theme of blending the spiritual and the earthly realms.

Mega Ofrenda in Zocalo

For the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, the heart of the city, Zocalo is adorned with Mega Ofrendas, showcasing an amalgamation of tradition, art, and community.

The ofrendas embody the profound Mexican belief in the cyclical nature of life and death, viewing death not as an end but as a continuation of existence.

These expansive altars, artistically assembled, burst with vibrant marigolds, intricately crafted sugar skulls, glowing candles, and treasured photographs. Each element is carefully chosen to honor and invite the spirits of deceased loved ones back for a brief, joyous reunion.

As thousands gather to contribute and admire, the Mega Ofrendas transform Zocalo into a living tribute to love, legacy, and the eternal presence of those who have passed.

Las Catrinas Parade

La Catrina is an iconic imaginary figure who stands as a satirical symbol of death, adorned in lavish attire to mock the superficiality of society’s upper class.

Artist José Guadalupe Posada conceptualized and created La Catrina and later, Diego Rivera popularized her.

The parade of Las Catrinas brings to life the story of La Catrina, paying tribute to this beloved icon.

Participants of the parade transform into vivid representations of Catrins and Catrinas, donning elaborate costumes and intricate face paints, creating a dazzling atmosphere.

Although it is a vibrant procession and a visual feast for the spectators, the significance of Las Catrinas Parade is deep rooted. It not only honors the memory of the departed, but also celebrates the cultural resilience and identity that La Catrina represents.

Tip: Join the parade at the starting point, near Angel de la Independencia. Arrive early, watch the participants preparing for the parade start, and indulge in getting your face painted as Catrina/ Catrin by the local artists who set up shop on the street side.

Day of the Dead Grand Parade in Mexico City

The Day of the Dead Grand Parade in Mexico City is a spectacular procession that winds through the capital’s main avenues, featuring elaborate floats, colorful costumes, and mesmerizing performances.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional and modern elements of the holiday, the parade offers a grand and unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Fun Fact: The 2016 James Bond movie “Spectre” showed a fictional celebration parade for Dia de Muertos. But Mexico City adopted the idea and put it in practice, and now it is the biggest spectacle of Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City.

Tip: Find a good spot anywhere along the route of the parade and wait for the colorful procession to pass by your area. Couple of good areas are: (1) opposite Palacio de Bellas Artes, and (2) along the Paseo de la Reforma.

But, if you are crazy like us, walk the entire length of the parade route, starting from Puerta de Leones in Chapultepec Park and ending in Zocalo, sometimes along with the procession and sometimes a little ahead of it, to cover the distance.

La Llorona in Xochimilco

La Llorona in Xochimilco presents a hauntingly beautiful performance on the iconic Xochimilco canals, blending an ancient legend with the Day of the Dead tradition.

As we reached the venue, Cuemanco Dock, we stood in line to embark one of the trajineras, the colorful small boats lining the dock. Upon boarding the boat, our trajinera navigated the waters of Xochimilco canals for about 45 minutes until we reached the Laguna de Tlílac.

This is where the boat anchored, next to several other boats. It felt like a floating auditorium full of audience. And the stage was right across the waterbody, where lights and sounds already started creating a dreamy atmosphere.

What followed was a 1 hour theatrical performance of the tragic tale of La Llorona, enhanced by ethereal lighting, dramatic music and profound dialogues that seemed to pierce through air across the lake and strike the audience’s emotions.

🇪🇸 Note that, the entire show of La Llorona is in Spanish. So, go for this one only if you understand the language.

Else, if you are game, still go for it to experience dramatic storytelling and heartfelt performances in a mystical setting. May be, despite the language barrier, the emotions and the atmosphere will be enough to feel the distress of La Llorona.

How to Book La Llorona Show

🎟️ We had booked our La Llorona show tickets from the Trajineras Xochimilco website. For 2024 La Llorona shows, click here to find details and make your reservations.

How to Get There

We availed the public transport system to get from the center of Mexico city to the La Llorona show starting point in Xochimilco.

🚊🚖 It was a combination of metro, light train and taxi – may sound overwhelming, but is doable. Just be cautious in crowded public transports as you would in any big city.

So, here is how you can get to the venue by yourself:

1. From Mexico City, take the Line 2 Metro to get to the station, Metro Tasqueña.
2. From there, take the Light Rail Train, “Tren Ligero”, to Xochimilco Light Rail station.
3. From Xochimilco station, take a taxi to Cuemanco Dock.

Legends of the Dead at Torre Latinoamericana

Legends of the Dead at Torre Latinoamericana is a captivating event that adds an eerie yet enchanting layer to the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City.

Perched high in this iconic skyscraper, tales of local legends and ghost stories come to life as you walk up several flights of stairs in the dark of the night.

This unique storytelling experience invites attendees to journey through history, as skilled narrators recount spine-tingling stories of apparitions, ancient rituals, and mysterious occurrences linked to Mexico City’s rich cultural heritage.

The immersive nature of the event, complemented by the dramatic city views from Torre Latinoamericana, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. It is a perfect fusion of folklore and festivity, offering both chills and cultural enlightenment in an remarkable setting.

Dia de Muertos in San Andres Mixquic

For an authentic observance of Día de Muertos, that is likely to move you from within, head to San Andrés Mixquic.

Visiting Mixquic was one of our highlights of visiting Mexico City during the Day of the Dead. The experience was surreal.

The cemetery in the town glows with thousands of candles as families gather to honor their deceased loved ones and participate in traditional rituals.

The air carries an infusion of the scents coming from the candles and the flowers and various other offerings brought by the families, and the atmosphere feels intimate, truly capturing the essence of the Day of the Dead.

Our Mixquic Tour Experience

Mixquic is located a bit far out of Mexico City. Booking a tour will of course cost more than planning and going on your own, but will also save you the hassle of figuring out transportation late in the night. That is why we opted to go with a guided tour.

The tour took care of the transportation in a bus, and upon arrival at Mixquic, the guide explained us a bit about the history and the rituals when visiting the local church.

We got plenty of time to visit the cemetery, explore the town on our own and check out the dozens of stalls for food and beverages.

By the end of the evening, we had to get back to the bus at the stipulated time, and they dropped us back in Mexico City.

How to Book Mixquic Tour

We had booked our Mixquic tour through a local company called México en el Corazón.

📲 You can find them on Facebook and also contact them via WhatsApp on +52 55 4920 9318.

📝 For the details of their Mixquic tour of 2024, check this announcement post.

🇪🇸 Note that, the tour is in Spanish. So it helps if you understand the language, and if not, I think the tour is still worth it because the logistics part is taken care of, while you get to experience one of the most wonderful events of the Day of the Dead in Mexico City.

🎥 For a visual feel, check out our video of visiting Mixquic for Day of the Dead. In the video, you will also find glimpses of ofrendas across different parts of Mexico City.

Pan de Muerto and Chocolate Festival

Pan de Muerto, a sweet, soft bread adorned with bone-like shapes, is a symbolic offering to honor the departed. When paired with rich, velvety Mexican hot chocolate, it becomes a comforting ritual steeped in history and meaning.

The Pan de Muerto and Chocolate Festival is a delightful culinary highlight of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, offering a sensory feast that enriches the festival’s rich cultural traditions.

This festival not only celebrates these culinary delights but also brings together artisans and food enthusiasts to savor and explore the deep-rooted significance of these traditional flavors.

Movie Screening of Coco

Like us, for many around the world, the Pixar-Disney movie Coco was the first introduction to the beautiful concept of the Day of the Dead festival.

Why not relive that experience while watching a special screening of the movie on the occasion of Día de los Muertos in Mexico City?

And if you haven’t previously watched Coco, we highly recommend it. May be, the movie can help put things in perspective about the underlying significance of all the Day of the Dead celebrations.

Travel Tips for Day of the Dead in Mexico City

The Day of the Dead is a culturally important festival in Mexico City when the city gets busy.

So, for a smooth experience of witnessing Día de los Muertos in Mexico, here are some tips to follow – for your own safety, as well as to respect local culture and tradition.

⏳ Plan Ahead: Accommodations and tours can fill up quickly. So make your reservations well in advance.

🕯️ Respect Traditions: Remember, this is a deeply spiritual event for many families. Be mindful of customs and rituals.

🪦 Do Not Touch & Keep Distance: When visiting cemeteries, do not touch the altar. Keep a distance from the tombstones allowing the family members the personal space they need to be with their deceased loved ones.

💀 Dress Appropriately: Get your hands on traditional Mexican attire and get your face painted as skull. But please do not appear in Cat Woman costume. This is not Halloween.

📷 Ask for Permission: The Day of the Dead offers plenty of unique photo opportunities. But before photographing people, particularly if they are at a private altar, please ask for permission.

🎒 Stay Safe: As with any big festival in any big city, be aware of your surroundings, take care of your belongings and follow your instincts.

Where to Stay in Mexico City during Day of the Dead?

For visiting Mexico City during the Day of the Dead, we recommend you to stay in the historic center of the city, in and around Zocalo.

That way, you can walk from your hotel to many of the prominent places and also good observation areas from where you can watch the key parades. If not walking, you will only be a short taxi ride away.

🏨 Here are some hotel recommendations for Mexico City historic center:

✅ Hotel in a historic building	Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
✅ Colonial style architecture, room w/ balcony	Historico Central Hotel
✅ Boutique hotel with historic architecture	Casa de la Luz Boutique
✅ Stylish hotel with focus on design	Mumedi Design Hotel
✅ Nice and affordable stay with all amenities	Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel

What Else to Do in Mexico City?

When you visit Mexico City for the Day of the Dead celebrations, you will be spending most of your time in the historic center of the city, witnessing different parades and visiting the large ofrendas.

But when you are already in the city, we recommend you to take the time off to experience some of these:

Is Day of the Dead Worth Visiting?

Whether you are savoring traditional foods, participating in vibrant processions, or simply observing the heartfelt rituals, the Day of the Dead in Mexico City is an unforgettable experience for travelers interested in exploring cultural dimensions of a destination.

Día de los Muertos offers glimpses into the Mexican culture, allowing visitors to witness how life and death are honored in a meaningful way.

Despite its profound significance, this is a festival of joy and celebrations. From the colossal parades to the intricately adorned altars, every corner of Mexico City comes alive with color, music, and reverence.

Over the years, we have visited Mexico City on various occasions, at different times of the year. According to us, THE best time to visit Mexico City is during the Day of the Dead festival.

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