Lonely PlanetAug 11
A guide to Día de Muertos in Mexico
From what to wear to the best places to celebrate, here
Celebration of life and remembrance of the departed.
24 things in this story
- ZócaloSightMexico City's main public square, hosts Day of the Dead altar.
- Día de MuertosFestivalCelebration of life and remembrance of the departed.
- Día de los InocentesFestivalFirst day focuses on deceased children.
- Día de los AngelitosFestivalAlternative name for the first day of celebration.
- Día de los MuertosFestivalSecond day centers on deceased adults.
- Día de los DifuntosFestivalAlternative name for the second day of celebration.
- Panteón Civil de DoloresSightMexico City cemetery hosting major gatherings.
- cempasúchilPlaceOfficial flower of the dead, used for decoration.
- pozoleRestaurantTraditional Mexican stew with meat and vegetables.
- pan de muertoRestaurantSpongy, egg-based bread with bone-shaped decorations.
- calaveras de azúcarPlaceBrightly colored candy skulls, primarily for decoration.
- La CatrinaCaféHigh-society skeleton image embodying death spares no one.
- Day of the Dead ParadeFestivalSpectacular annual event in Mexico City.
- Avenida ReformaNeighborhoodStreet in Mexico City where the Day of the Dead Parade occurs.
- Desfile de AlebrijesFestivalParade of spirit guides in Mexico City.
- Catrina paradeFestivalParade with people dressed as graceful skeletons.
- Estela de Luz monumentSight
- Elsewhere
- Mixquic cemeterySightSan Andrés Mixquic, MexicoCemetery in San Andrés Mixquic with traditional celebrations.
- Panteón General cemeterySightOaxaca, MexicoOaxaca cemetery with decorated altars and illuminated niches.
- mole negroRestaurantOaxaca, MexicoSlow-cooked sauce often served with chicken in Oaxaca.
- calabaza en tachaRestaurantMérida, MexicoCandied pumpkin cooked in sugar cane syrup.
- La AlumbradaFestivalSan Andrés Mixquic, MexicoThree nights of candlelight illuminating gravesites in Mixquic.
- JanitzioNeighborhoodPátzcuaro, MexicoIsland on Lago de Pátzcuaro with spectacular night views.
- Lago de PátzcuaroSightPátzcuaro, Mexico