If you want to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico, there are some fundamentals you’ll need to know. The first – and possibly most important – is that you need to book well in advance. Second, the celebrations for these holidays vary widely throughout the different regions of Mexico. Depending on the type of immersion you’re looking for, the right place for you will vary.. Check out our tips below for what to expect in different destinations and how Journey Mexico can help you plan the perfect trip to immerse yourself in these meaningful festivities.
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City
What to Expect: Profound and meaningful experience, deep Day of the dead legacy, sensorial and bustling markets, folklore tradition, indigenous pride, Spanish churches, vibrant skeleton parade. Planning is required months in advance
Travel with Journey Mexico and we’ll craft a fully personalized itinerary to let you experience Day of the Dead on your owns terms without the hassle of traveling with a group. Take a read through our suggested itinerary “Dia de los Muertos Oaxaca 2024” – remember, everything can be altered to your preferences – to get a feel of what your Day of the Dead in Oaxaca could be. Highlights include:
Oaxaca City Tour – Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Oaxaca before the celebrations truly kick-off with a private guide showing you its highlights
Day of the Dead Markets – Enter the hustle and bustle of the marketplace as Oaxaca readies itself for one of the biggest celebrations of the year
Day of the Dead pParade – See the color, skulls, and skeletons with a visit to one of Oaxaca’s traditional Day of the Dead parades
Local Home Visit – Enjoy an authentic Day of the Dead experience as the special guest of a local family, visiting their home to see their traditional altars and offerings
Day of the Dead in Mexico City
What to Expect: The capital knows how to put on a show! Elaborate Day of the Dead displays at iconic galleries and museums, huge, themed altars, big-production parade.
Plan an unforgettable trip where history, art, and tradition converge to create an immersive Día de los Muertos experience. Travel with Journey Mexico means no large group trips, access to museums during off-hours, and intimate cultural exchanges. Take a read through our suggested weekend itinerary “Day of the Dead in Mexico City 2024” – to get a feel of what this trip could look like. Highlights include:
National Anthropology Museum, Off Hours – Start the trip with a deep dive into Mexico’s history, laying the groundwork for an enhanced understanding of Day of the Dead´s importance and indigenous influences
Downtown Historic Center – This time of year, the Zócalo becomes a lively hub of colorful altars, captivating performances, and heartfelt remembrance of departed loved ones
Museums – Explore an array of museums and special exhibits showcasing the artistry of this cherished celebration (Franz Mayer, Arte Popular, and Dolores Olmedo special exhibit)
Cemetery Visit – An intimate experience where candlelit paths guide you through the gravesites, adorned with marigolds, love, and remembrance
Southern Neighborhoods – Visit Coyoacán and San Ángel to explore Day of the Dead folklore, including a visit to Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul
Local Market – A sensorial experience of colors, aromas, and flavors, shop for items for your ofrenda (altar) and learn about the symbolism and tributes behind each object. sensorial experience of colors, aromas, and flavors, shop for items for your ofrenda (altar) and learn about the symbolism and tributes behind each object
Mexican Cheese & Spirits Tasting – Enjoy a private tasting menu of Mexican cheeses and agave-based spirits
Day of the Dead in Chiapas
What to Expect: Indigenous spiritual belief meets Catholicism, Tzotzil tradition and Spanish architecture, intimate graveyard observances, family gatherings.
Experience Mexico´s sought-after celebration differently, visiting the sacred burial grounds around San Cristóbal de las Casas, taking part in regional Tzotzil Maya and Chamula traditions, and exchanging stories with the locals that have practiced these customs for generations. Our suggested itinerary “Day of the Dead in Chiapas 2024” is especially intimate and a profound cultural exchange with local families and traidtions, highlights include:
Sumidero Canyon – Experience a Sumidero Canyon boat ride with towering cliffs
San Cristobal de las Casas – A magical village and your base throughout your trip, enjoy an intimate altar-making experience and visit the cemetery.
El Romerillo Sacred Burial Hill – Join the Tzotzil Chamula community´s joyful celebrations of life
Amantenango – Visit the Amatenango del Valle graveyard, where loved ones are remembered in a more somber tone
Zinacantan – Head to the Mukenallakolteclum Cemetary for another glimpse into Tzotzil Maya traditions and enjoy a lunch at a family home
San Juan Chamula – Visit the San Juan Chamula graveyard and church
Day of the Dead in San Miguel Allende
What to Expect:Chic introduction to DOD, instagrammable backdrops & UNESCO World Heritage, tall artistic puppets in the streets, celebratory dinner party at the Rosewood, boisterous parade – fun!
Guided by one of our local experts, go deeper into the history, traditions, and meaning of a cherished celebration that’s as vibrant as it is profound. Our suggested itinerary – Day of the Dead in San Miguel Allende 2024 – is interwoven with cultural immersion and exchange to give you a genuine experience of this legendary festival. Highlights include:
San Miguel Allende – Get to know the city´s historic heritage and cultural corners with your private guide.
Art & Artisans – Visit galleries, workshops and street art to explore San Miguel´s artistic scene.
Day of the Dead Customs – Create a personalized altar, enjoy a skull makeup and photo session, attend a Día de Muertos party at the Rosewood, and watch the Catrina street parade.
Atotonilco – Unveil the religious sanctuary known as Mexico´s Sistine Chapel.
Guanajuato – Discover the colorful city with your guide, including a stop at Diego Rivera´s house-museum.
Wine Scene – Visit one of the region’s top vineyards and savor a 3-course meal with a wine pairing.
Want to learn more about Day of the Dead in Mexico? Keep reading -> Day of the Dead in Mexico Explained
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Author: Sally Wells
The British-born writer first fell for Mexico’s magic while studying Spanish in Guadalajara. A decade later, she’s taken her time getting to know the country’s multifaceted personality, and now calls Puerto Vallarta home. Sally has always had a soft spot for the written word and finds inspiration in life’s subtleties as much as the big moments. She loves stepping into someone’s world, listening to their experiences, and making connections. A firm advocate for candid communication, Sally believes storytelling has the ability to empower, enlighten, and spark empathy. |
