Day of the Dead in Mexico is a celebration of life and a time of magical experiences. Each year, people across Mexico celebrate Día de Muertos on November 2nd. It is the perfect opportunity to visit one of Casago’s premier Mexico destinations and discover the wonder of this colorful tradition. In exploring beyond the larger celebrations found in Mexico’s capital city, we’ve selected 5 unique destinations to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico so you can experience the moving traditions up close.
Day of the Dead: Celebration of Life and Culture
In 2008, Mexico’s Día de Muertos was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Starting in late October, across Mexico you can frequently see elaborate altars set up in city plazas, businesses, homes, and schools as people prepare to welcome the spirits of loved ones. On November 1st, many families in Mexico also commemorate Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) in lead-up to the cherished night of honoring all who have gone on before us. Rather than representing the absence of a loved one, Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico symbolize life and sharing the joys of what the loved one once enjoyed.
Cemeteries come alive across Mexico for Day of the Dead. Families adorn graves with fresh flowers, food, candles, and relics from a loved one’s past. Be sure to observe the carefully cut crepe paper (papel picado), the bright orange and yellow cempazúchitl (marigolds), and of course pan de muerto bread and calavera sugar skulls! Music is also part of Day of the Dead commemorations as a loved one’s favorite song or mariachi ballad rings out into the sky. You will delight in the near-mystical appearance of people dressed up as Catrinas and Catrins, fashionable skeleton-like figures to accompany the festivities. Consider one of these 5 unique destinations to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico for an unforgettable experience!
Merida
The Festival de las Ánimas, or Hanal Pixan, takes place across the Yucatan between Oct. 31st and Nov. 2nd. The Paseo de las Ánimas is a colorful procession through Merida with people dressed in typical Yucatecan dress and made up to look like the dead – similar to Catrinas. Prehispanic music, altar exhibitions, and dance accompany the breathtaking ceremonial events.
Riviera Maya
Whether your fall Mexico adventure takes you to Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen, don’t miss the remarkable Day of the Dead celebrations at the annual Festival of Life of Death held at Xcaret. The renowned waterpark turns into a mystical journey each night during the last week of October and early November. Each year showcases Day of the Dead traditions from a different state in Mexico with an elaborate program of theater, folkloric dance, concerts, workshops, and exhibits. Experience the unforgettable wonder of Día de los Muertos at Xcaret.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta prides itself for its extended celebrations commemorating Day of the Dead. Festivities pour out of local restaurants and cafes and along the inviting boardwalk malecon. Activities wrap up on Nov. 2nd with traditional visits to the cemeteries bursting with flowers, pan de muerto, as well as mariachis. In 2022, Puerto Vallarta was recognized by Guiness World Records as home to the “World’s Tallest Catrina”. The 23 meter sculpture was part of the city’s elaborate Day of the Dead festivities.
Baja California Sur
In Los Cabos, Day of the Dead festivities take to the water. The traditional Altares en el Mar Festival features decorated and illuminated boats parading through the marina. Enjoy the colorful celebration accompanied by music, culture, and traditional crafts.
La Paz and the nearby community of Todos Santos honor Day of the Dead celebrations with catrina and altar contests. In 2017, Todos Santos revived many of its Day of the Dead traditions to encompass two days of ceremonies, concerts, and dances at the city’s historic Central Plaza. In 2023 the contest extended to elaborate decorations on façades.
Venture to Loreto for vibrant colors that light up Day of the Dead festivities in front of the Nuestra Señora de Loreto mission in the center of town. The two-day community affair brings schools, families, and visitors together to honor Mexico’s cherished Day of the Dead traditions.
Rocky Point
The shops and galleries along Calle 32 (aka Rodeo Road) in Rocky Point provide an enchanted stage for Day of the Dead celebrations and cultural contests. For two nights, altars fill the entryways to shops while elegantly dressed Catrinas roam along the street. Rocky Point offers a unique taste of Mexico’s deeper traditions at an accessible 4-hour drive from either Phoenix or Tucson.
Experience Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico and relish the country’s vibrant culture. The professional experts of Casago will ensure a perfect stay to complement your adventures.
