Mexico City, Mexico
Day of the Dead in Mexico City
Marigold altars, a giant parade down Reforma, and candlelit cemetery vigils in one of the world's great cities.
The straight answer
Day of the Dead in Mexico City peaks on November 1 and 2 every year, but the best time to go is the last week of October through November 2, when the parades and big altars are all up.
Day of the Dead, Dia de Muertos, is observed on November 1 and 2 every year, when families remember and welcome back the souls of the dead, with November 1 traditionally for children and November 2 for adults. In Mexico City, the celebrations build through the second half of October, with parades, altars, and events across the city.
Mexico City's version is the big-city spectacle: a grand parade down Paseo de la Reforma, a monumental altar in the Zocalo, marigolds everywhere, and pan de muerto in every bakery. For a more intimate tradition, the candlelit cemetery vigil in San Andres Mixquic, on the city's rural southeastern edge, is one of the most famous in the country.
Late October and early November are a good time to be in Mexico City: the rainy season is ending, days are mild with highs near 72F (22C), and nights are cool, near 50F (10C).
The event, explained
The Day of the Dead parade, a relatively recent tradition started in 2016, fills Reforma and the historic center with giant skeletons, floats, and dancers on a weekend near the start of November. The earlier Alebrijes parade in October brings enormous fantastical creatures, and a Catrinas parade fills the streets with people in skeleton makeup.
Ofrendas, the family altars decorated with marigolds, candles, food, and photos, appear everywhere: in homes, markets, museums, and public spaces. The monumental ofrenda in the Zocalo and the altars at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) campus are highlights.
Cemeteries fill with families on the nights of November 1 and 2, decorating graves and keeping vigil with candles, music, and food. Mixquic is the most famous, and it gets very crowded, so go with respect.
How to play it right
- 01Book lodging a few months ahead; hotels in Roma, Condesa, and the historic center fill for the parade weekend and November 1 and 2.
- 02Check the year's parade dates, announced by the city in advance, and arrive early along Reforma for a good viewing spot.
- 03Visit Mixquic in the late afternoon or evening of November 1 or 2, allow plenty of travel time, and consider a guided tour for transport and context.
- 04Pack layers: mild days near 72F (22C), cool nights near 50F (10C), and a chance of late-season rain showers.
- 05Try the seasonal foods: pan de muerto, sugar skulls, and tamales, found in bakeries and markets across the city.
With kids in tow
- Day of the Dead is family-oriented in Mexico, and the parades and altars are wonderful for kids.
- Parades can be very crowded, so choose a viewing spot early with space, and bring snacks and water.
- Cemetery vigils are late and solemn; bring older children and explain the traditions beforehand.
Book your stay for Day of the Dead in Mexico City.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Day of the Dead in Mexico CityOpens a hotel search for Day of the Dead in Mexico City in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Day of the Dead in Mexico CityWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Day of the Dead in Mexico CityTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Day of the Dead in Mexico City for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Day of the Dead in Mexico City, quick answers
When is Day of the Dead in Mexico City?
November 1 and 2 every year, with parades, altars, and events building from the second half of October.
When is the Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City?
Usually on a weekend near the start of November; the city announces the exact date each year. The Alebrijes and Catrinas parades are held in October.
Where can you see cemetery celebrations in Mexico City?
San Andres Mixquic, on the city's southeastern edge, has one of the most famous candlelit vigils, on the nights of November 1 and 2.
What is the weather like in Mexico City in late October?
Mild and mostly dry, with highs near 72F (22C) and cool nights near 50F (10C). Late-season showers are still possible.
Is Mexico City or Oaxaca better for Day of the Dead?
Mexico City offers the big parades and monumental altars; Oaxaca is more intimate, with cemetery vigils and deep local traditions. Both are excellent.
Make a trip of it: Mexico City
The best time to visit Mexico City
Best: Mar to Apr and Oct to Nov
The best time to visit Mexico City is March through April for the jacaranda bloom or October through early December for dry, sunny days and the Dia de Muertos season; the May-to-October afternoon rains are the only real weather consideration.
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