Lonely PlanetAug 11
A guide to Día de Muertos in Mexico
From what to wear to the best places to celebrate, here
Spectacular annual event in Mexico City.
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