Day of the Dead in San Miguel Allende: An Enchanting Celebration of Souls

Enjoy the ultimate seven-day adventure to celebrate an authentic Día de Muertos in the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Miguel de Allende. 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 exclusive itinerary is interwoven with cultural immersion and exchange to give you a genuine experience of this legendary festival.

While staying at one of San Miguel´s finest luxury hotels, Journey Mexico will show you the best of the city and take you to the heart of the festivities. Uncover artistic expression and renowned historical sites, take part in personalized altar-making, get energized in colorful street parades, and join joyful tributes at a local cemetery. This unforgettable voyage seamlessly blends history, art, gastronomy, and heritage on a journey that will nurture your soul. Dates: October 30 to November 05

San Miguel de Allende

HIGHLIGHTS

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.

Wine Scene – Visit one of the region’s top vineyards and savor a 3-course meal with a wine pairing.

Guanajuato – Discover the colorful city with your guide, including a stop at Diego Rivera´s house-museum.

Day 1:  Private Airport Transfer to San Miguel Allende – Oct 30

Your private driver will meet you at the airport and you will be driven to San Miguel de Allende. We recommend arriving to one of the two airports:  MEX (Mexico City) or BJX (Leon).

Take a leisurely stroll with your guide and start soaking up the atmosphere of your charming host city, tucked into Mexico´s central highlands. As you wander the picturesque streets, your expert will set the scene for the journey to come, introducing you to Day of the Dead customs, philosophy, and the festivities in the city.

Overnight: Hotel in San Miguel Allende

Day 2: Uncover San Miguel’s Historic Center & Artistic Spirit – Oct 31

Delve into the heart of San Miguel with your guide, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Observe Spanish Colonial and Mexican Baroque architecture alongside the colorful facades of homes baked in sunshine. Listen to church bells ringing out from clock towers and the serenades of street musicians in the leafy central plaza, flanked by San Miguel´s iconic neo-gothic pink parish.

Follow your guide through pretty, cobbled streets as you get to know the personality of this culturally rich town revealed through its museums, churches, galleries, and workshops. The Ignacio Ramírez cultural center nicknamed ‘El Nigromante’ is a highlight. As the former cloister of a neighboring convent, the space features a beautiful courtyard and dramatic murals alongside contemporary exhibitions.

Overnight: Hotel in San Miguel Allende

Day 3: Iconic Memories: Altar making, Calavera Makeup & Fiesta at the Rosewood – Nov 01

Become part of the heartfelt traditions and artistic expression that make Day of the Dead the meaningful and vivid celebration it is today.

Start the day learning about the meaning behind altar making (ofrendas) and the classic elements that are interwoven into eye-catching designs that pay homage to lost loved ones. Gain a deeper understanding of this thoughtful ritual from your guide and get ideas for what to include in your own altar. Together with your expert, you’ll get to choose a designated space where you’ll be crafting your own heartfelt tribute. The best place to source materials for your ofrenda is the heart of any Mexican neighborhood, the market. Immerse yourself in the sights and aromas of a typical mercado, selecting the supplies you’ll need with the help of your guide. Let the creativity and memories flow as you layer your altar with colors, textures and personal touches. We strongly recommend bringing photos from home of the loved ones you’d like to honor.

There’ll be time to enjoy some Mexican fare for lunch, with recommendations made by your guide, before partaking in the iconic ritual of skull makeup back at your hotel. Sit back and relax as your face is transformed with an intricate ‘calavera’ design while learning about the origins of this Mexican tradition, rooted in José Guadalupe Posada’s 1910 artwork “La Calavera Garbancera.” Contrast the macabre with an elegant dress or suit* to complete your makeover into a classic ‘Catrina/Catrin’. With so many beautiful corners and historic doorways, San Miguel is a dream location for a photoshoot. Head into town with your guide who’ll help you capture your look, a memento of your Day of the Dead journey to carry forwards.

Round out this immersive day in style attending an exclusive Catrina Gala dinner at the legendary Rosewood San Miguel. Tap into the celebratory spirit of Día de Muertos at an exuberant garden party that’ll ignite all the senses. Art, culture, and gastronomy come together through the rich flavors of traditional dishes, live music, beautiful decorations and elaborate Catrina costumes.

Overnight: Hotel in San Miguel Allende

Day 4: A Cultural Look at San Miguel: Cemetery Rituals, Mexican Artistry & Catrinas on Parade – Nov 02

On Day of the Dead, city cemeteries and graveyards become gathering places for families to pay tribute to the deceased. Start the day visiting a local cemetery with your guide, where graves are beautifully adorned as altars with bright flowers and ‘pan de muerto’ (bread of the dead). You’ll be able to appreciate the joy taken in remembrance as you gain unique insights into the heartfelt rituals and symbolic gestures of time-honored traditions.

San Miguel has attracted an artistic following since the mid-20th century, from the beatniks of the 60s to the expats and locals who enrich today’s thriving cultural scene. Tap into the city’s creative soul with your guide, exploring through the lens of street art where both Mexican and international artists have left their mark on the city. Walls become captivating canvases of playful graffiti and striking murals, showcasing San Miguel’s dynamic and ever-evolving bohemian spirit. See how the city’s artistic community plays a role in the festivities with a stop to explore Fabrica La Aurora, featuring galleries and contemporary art studios housed in a former textile workshop. Over Día de Muertos this creative hub transforms into a culturally rich space, bringing together art, heritage, and community spirit.

Today’s journey continues with a privately guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Atotonilco. Often referred to as the “Mexican Sistine Chapel” due to its captivating religious artwork, this fascinating sanctuary holds a rich history that unfolds through intricately adorned walls and ceilings. The gallery nearby emphasizes the connection between Atotonilco and the country’s artistic heritage. Showcasing works from all over Mexico, the space is a vibrant nexus for skilled artisans – a unique opportunity to browse generational traditions or buy from those who keep such artistry alive.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, suggested by your guide, return to your hotel for some leisure time before this evening’s parade. Later, soak up the lively festive atmosphere as the streets are filled with raucous music, giant Mojiganga puppets, and hundreds of people dressed as Catrinas!

End the day on a culinary note with dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants. Whether it’s Atrio, La Terraza, or Aperi, savor flavors and ingredients that ooze with tradition.

Overnight: Hotel in San Miguel Allende

Day 5: Stroll and Sip: A Leisurely Morning & Afternoon Wine Bliss – Nov 03

The morning is yours to spend at leisure. Take your time strolling through San Miguel’s cobblestone streets and leafy plazas, or simply enjoy some downtime on property.

Later in the day, you’ll be whisked away to one of the region’s best vineyards to experience why Mexico’s wine scene is quickly gaining international recognition. Meet the winery’s sommelier at a private reception for a glass of wine atop the contemporary tower, admiring scenic views of the vineyards, before a guided walk around the grounds to see the journey of grapes from vineyard to wine cellar. Finish the visit at a private table reserved for you to enjoy a three-course, gourmet meal, paired with a selection of the vineyard’s wines.

Overnight: Hotel in San Miguel Allende

Day 6: Discover the Colorful Spirit of Guanajuato – Nov 04

Get to know the multifaceted personality of Guanajuato with your private guide, located around a 1.5-hour drive away from San Miguel. Nestled in a narrow valley, this vibrant, 16th-century city brings together leafy plazas, colonial architecture, museums and theaters, and picturesque cobblestone streets. El Pípila monument looks over hillsides brimming with colorful houses and roads that descend into old subterranean tunnels. Take in spectacular panoramic views of the cityscape before taking the cable car down to explore.

As your expert shows you around, soak up the history and culture of the UNESCO-awarded historical center, a tapestry of Baroque and neoclassical buildings, beautiful churches, and labyrinthine winding streets. Visit favorite sites including Guanajuato´s grand university, the striking Juárez Theatre, and Mexican muralist Diego Rivera´s house-museum.

Time will be made to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, with suggestions made by your guide.

Overnight: Hotel in San Miguel Allende

Day 7: Departure Day – Nov 05

Your private driver will meet you at the hotel and you will be driven to the airport.

Dates

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year, however for Day of the Dead itineraries, it must fall over October 31 – November 03.

Prices

This journey starts from $2,300 per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing. Suggested/Optional activities are not included in the quote.