Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration that honors deceased loved ones. Families create “ofrendas” with photos, food, and marigolds to welcome the souls of the departed back to the world of the living. The celebration consists of two days filled with festivities.
November 1
This day is dedicated to honoring children who have passed away, known as ‘Los Angelitos’ (little angels). Families place toys, candies, and favorite childhood foods on the altars.
November 2
This day is for remembering deceased adults. Families prepare their favorite foods, drinks, and items, and often visit cemeteries to decorate graves and share stories.
While Día de Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico, each region brings its own traditions. Here’s a look at how some of our favorite cities.
1. Oaxaca
Día de Muertos is largely celebrated in Oaxaca! The Panteón General cemetery is a special spot for locals who light up candles, leave marigolds, and build beautiful ofrendas. You’ll find that the streets are colorfully decorated, typical Oaxacan ‘Son Istmo’ music playing everywhere, and delicious local foods being served.
You can dive deeper into how Día de Muertos is celebrated in Oaxaca in our separate blog post.
2. Mexico City
In Mexico City, you’ll find the country’s largest ‘Day of the Dead Parade.’ Just outside the city, you can visit the popular cemetery ‘Panteón de Dolores’ and hold all-night vigils where families gather to honor loved ones.
3. Michoacán (Morelia, Isla de Janitzio, and Tzintzuntzan)
Michoacán is famous for its deep-rooted Día de Muertos traditions. Isla de Janitzio, Tzintzuntzan, and Morelia are known for their candlelit vigils, traditional dances, and cultural performances, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
4. Yucatán
In Yucatán they celebrate ‘Hanal Pixán’ where locals decorate cemeteries with traditional Mayan elements and altars. During this celebration, the locals usually prepare a typical dish called ‘mucbipollo’—a large tamale filled with meats and spices.
5. San Andrés Mixquic, Mexico State
In San Andrés Mixquic, near Mexico City, Día de Muertos is known for its “La Alumbrada” ritual. The cemeteries glow with candles and marigolds as families hold vigils by their loved ones’ graves.
6. Xochimilco, Mexico City
Xochimilco is famous for its canals and during Día de Muertos, the neighborhood combines boat parades and floating ofrendas. The trajineras (boats) are specially decorated, creating a vibrant celebration on the water. You’ll find many Mariachi bands on their own trajineras as well!
7. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
The small town of Pátzcuaro hosts candlelit processions and ceremonies along ‘Lake Pátzcuaro’ with residents honoring the dead in a beautiful lakeside celebration with local music, crafts, and traditional foods.
From the parades of Mexico City to the lakeside vigils in Michoacán, each region honors the departed. Experiencing these celebrations firsthand offers an incredible glimpse into the Mexican view of life, death, and remembrance.