Lonely PlanetAug 11, 2026
A guide to Día de Muertos in Mexico
From what to wear to the best places to celebrate, here
24 things in this story
- calabaza en tachaRestaurantCandied pumpkin cooked in sugar cane syrup.
- Elsewhere
- ZócaloSightMexico City, MexicoMexico City's main public square, hosts Day of the Dead altar.
- Día de MuertosFestivalMexico City, MexicoCelebration of life and remembrance of the departed.
- Día de los InocentesFestivalMexico City, MexicoFirst day focuses on deceased children.
- Día de los AngelitosFestivalMexico City, MexicoAlternative name for the first day of celebration.
- Día de los MuertosFestivalMexico City, MexicoSecond day centers on deceased adults.
- Día de los DifuntosFestivalMexico City, MexicoAlternative name for the second day of celebration.
- Panteón Civil de DoloresSightMexico City, MexicoMexico City cemetery hosting major gatherings.
- Mixquic cemeterySightSan Andrés Mixquic, MexicoCemetery in San Andrés Mixquic with traditional celebrations.
- Panteón General cemeterySightOaxaca, MexicoOaxaca cemetery with decorated altars and illuminated niches.
- cempasúchilPlaceMexico City, MexicoOfficial flower of the dead, used for decoration.
- mole negroRestaurantOaxaca, MexicoSlow-cooked sauce often served with chicken in Oaxaca.
- pozoleRestaurantMexico City, MexicoTraditional Mexican stew with meat and vegetables.
- pan de muertoRestaurantMexico City, MexicoSpongy, egg-based bread with bone-shaped decorations.
- calaveras de azúcarPlaceMexico City, MexicoBrightly colored candy skulls, primarily for decoration.
- La CatrinaCaféMexico City, MexicoHigh-society skeleton image embodying death spares no one.
- Day of the Dead ParadeFestivalMexico City, MexicoSpectacular annual event in Mexico City.
- Avenida ReformaNeighborhoodMexico City, MexicoStreet in Mexico City where the Day of the Dead Parade occurs.
- Desfile de AlebrijesFestivalMexico City, MexicoParade of spirit guides in Mexico City.
- Catrina paradeFestivalMexico City, MexicoParade with people dressed as graceful skeletons.
- La AlumbradaFestivalSan Andrés Mixquic, MexicoThree nights of candlelight illuminating gravesites in Mixquic.
- JanitzioNeighborhoodPátzcuaro, MexicoIsland on Lago de Pátzcuaro with spectacular night views.
- Estela de Luz monumentSightMexico City, Mexico
- Lago de PátzcuaroSightPátzcuaro, Mexico