Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an ancient tradition originally practiced by the Aztecs in what we now call central Mexico. For over six centuries, this tradition has evolved to incorporate other religious beliefs and customs around honoring the dead—all maintaining the significance of communing with those who have been welcomed into the afterlife. Instead of wearing all black and mourning the deceased, Día de los Muertos festivals flip our American ideals on their head, providing a more celebratory and positive way to grapple with loss.
Celebratory traditions include making ofrendas (offerings) to the souls who have passed on through elaborately decorated altars. These offerings comprise water, tequila, pan de muerto (special Day of the Dead sweet bread), and orange and gold cempasúchil (marigold flowers), whose scent is believed to help guide the souls to the ofrendas. Día de los Muertos festivals are traditionally bursting with bright colors, fireworks, live music, face painting, and beautiful artwork. We’ve rounded up the five of the best places to experience Día de los Muertos festivals in Mexico—where the tradition originated—and beyond.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
With its beautiful weather, vibrant culture, and seemingly endless supply of mezcal, this Mexican retreat was recently named the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure. Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca—said to have one of the most traditional Día de los Muertos festivals in Mexico—featuring comparsas or carnival-style parades filled with traditional costumes, music, and dancing.
Mexico City, Mexico
As Mexico’s capital, Mexico City is the perfect place for an introduction to Día de los Muertos festivals. Featuring a three-day parade of bright and colorful floats, costumes, face painting, and music, you can expect a wide range of inclusive activities for almost everyone in your family. Meander the city’s Zócalo (central plaza) to catch the enormous ofrendas embellished with bright orange and yellow marigolds, listen to the sounds of the mariachi bands play, or hitch a boat ride at night through the ancient, eerie canals to watch a special live performance about the legend of La Llorona (The Weeper).
Mérida, Mexico
Known for its historical charm and Mayan culture, Mérida offers a more intimate Día de los Muertos experience, known locally as Hanal Pixán. The festivities here emphasize tradition, with families creating altars filled with foods, candles, and marigolds to honor loved ones. The streets come alive with processions and community events.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrates Día de los Muertos with a distinctive charm, transforming its cobblestone streets into vibrant displays of tradition. The city comes alive with colorful papel picado, marigold petals, and ornate altars honoring loved ones. The festivities extend to local cemeteries, where families gather to decorate graves with candles and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere of light and life through the night. Parades, music, and markets offering festive treats like pan de muerto and sugar skulls enhance the experience, immersing visitors in the unique spirit of this enchanting colonial city.
San Antonio, Texas
Día de los Muertos celebrations aren’t limited to Mexico; San Antonio hosts one of the largest and most vibrant Día de los Muertos festivals in the U.S., blending Mexican traditions with a Texan twist. The city comes alive with colorful parades, elaborate ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, candles, and photos, and a variety of live performances showcasing traditional music and dance. Along the iconic River Walk, the festivities extend to include processions of painted faces, cultural exhibitions, and even art installations that tell the stories behind the holiday. The festival’s dynamic atmosphere draws locals and visitors alike, offering a unique opportunity to experience this cultural celebration outside of Mexico.
Whether you choose the bustling streets of Mexico City, the traditional parades in Oaxaca, or the vibrant festivities of San Antonio, Día de los Muertos offers a unique way to connect with Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Each of these destinations provides a distinct experience, allowing visitors to witness the beauty of honoring life and death in a joyful and colorful way. Make your next getaway unforgettable by immersing yourself in the spirit of Día de los Muertos festivals, where celebration and remembrance come together to create a truly magical experience.
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