Day of the dead
Mexico City
Coyoacan: The central point is the Hidalgo Garden, where impressive offerings are set up in honour of the deceased. In addition, you will find streets and squares decorated with paper Mache skulls, marigold flowers and candles. The Blue House, Frida Kahlo’s former home, also often has a special offering.
Paseo de la Reforma: In one of the most emblematic avenues of the city, known for its beauty and for being the scene of numerous cultural events, the “Night of the Alebrijes” stands out, in which hundreds of giant alebrijes, decorated in a spectacular way, are exhibited along Paseo de la Reforma. These colourful and fantastical sculptures are part of a parade that attracts crowds of local spectators and tourists.
Zocalo: Every year, a large Day of the Dead offering is raised in the heart of the capital. This offering is usually made by different institutions and artists, it is dedicated to significant figures or themes of Mexican culture and is a manifestation of the rich tradition of the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Festival of the Bread of the Dead and Chocolate: At the UNAM, you will find delicious traditional bread and all its variations, from fillings to exotic doughs, await you. A great alternative if what you want is an authentic immersion in Mexican culture and traditions through its flavours and smells.
San Andrés Mixquic: The first days of the month of November, the traditional Day of the Dead is celebrated in San Andrés Mixquic, the most traditional festival of the dead in Mexico City. Loved ones are expected to rest in the place of the dead, Mictlan. The tombs are renewed, decorated with various elements, each with an important role and essential meaning. The night passes between prayers and songs, the living coexisting with the dead, the lighting will guide the path of the faithful deceased.
San Miguel de Allende
In San Miguel de Allende the journey through this ancestral tradition begins on November 1 with “All Saints’ Day.” On this special day, the altars are prepared and offerings are placed in some neighborhoods of the city and in the main square, commemorating the deceased who were fundamental pieces of our local history. At dusk, the catrinas and catrines take to the streets, parading in their best costumes, dancing and singing. On the sidewalks there are artists who use the faces of canvases to paint skulls, and who decorate their clothes with flowers and sequins. Death fills the city with life, art and laughter.
On November 2, “Day of the Faithful Dead,” you can enjoy musical concerts and shell festivals that remind us of the indigenous legacy of this celebration. Families visit the cemeteries and live with their deceased, bringing them flowers and offerings. Personal rituals are complemented by local activities that make San Miguel de Allende a unique place to enjoy the sensory experience of the Day of the Dead.
Oaxaca
Mats and altars: One of my favorite places to appreciate the rugs is the esplanade of the Church of La Soledad. Traditionally, large altars made in detail by university students or staff of some association are displayed here.
There are two places to visit the best altars in Oaxaca. The first is The Public Library of Oaxaca where, for a couple of years, it has opened its doors during the afternoons and evenings of these dates to exhibit original altars from people from different regions of Oaxaca. The second place, which in my opinion you cannot miss to visit in Oaxaca, is the General Pantheon which is located on Refugio Street. Here you will also find a large exhibition of altars and rugs with original details
Michoacan
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, an extraordinary display of crafts from all corners and all ethnicities of Michoacán, which includes fine pieces of pottery and ceramics, jewelry, textiles, lumber, cabinetmaking, among other types of popular art. Also, during that night a traditional organ concert is held in the Basilica of Our Lady of Health.
Isla Jacinto: It is the most populated island in Lake Pátzcuaro. The ceremony for the dead here is an event in which thousands of visitors gather at the cemetery, located on a natural terrace in front of the large body of water.
Isla Pocanda: It is one of the towns where this tradition is carried out discreetly, ideal for those looking for a quiet space to enjoy the ceremony in harmony with the indigenous community.
Tzintzuntzan The town of Tzintzuntzan is also located about thirty minutes from Pátzcuaro on the stretch of road that leads to the town of Quiroga. Its name means “place of hummingbirds” in the Purépecha language.
In this indigenous community one of the most representative and spectacular ceremonies of the night of the dead in Michoacán and throughout Mexico takes place, which is carried out simultaneously in two large neighbouring cemeteries, here some of the most spectacular offerings in the region are made, with very elaborate designs and some of them of monumental size.
Yucatan
Mérida is a wonderful place, it is filled with altars and offerings in the main parks and squares, such as the Santa Lucía Park and the Santa Ana Park, as well as the General Cemetery.
Towns like Pomuch, Hecelchakán, and Hoctún are known for their unique traditions during this holiday.
In Pomuch, for example, the bones of the deceased are cleaned and exhumed to later be relocated in a special ceremony.
Valladolid also has a vibrant Day of the Dead celebration. You can find altars and offerings throughout the historic centre, as well as in the city cemetery.
Izamal is known as “the city of three cultures” due to its pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary history.
During the dead, the streets and squares are filled with traditional decorations.
Some cenotes and caves are also special points to celebrate. Offerings are often brought to these natural places, which have a spiritual connection in the Mayan culture.
Xcaret
The Xcaret Festival of Life and Death Traditions envelops you in the aromas, colors and sensations of the Day of the Dead at Xcaret. Year after year, Xcaret brings together the rituals of the pre-Hispanic world of the region and those of a guest state to commemorate this masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Enjoy typical food, offerings, altars, workshops, crafts, exhibitions, theater, dance and gala concerts in the unique landscape of Xcaret Park.
Written by: Diana Juarez