Lonely PlanetAug 11
A guide to Día de Muertos in Mexico
From what to wear to the best places to celebrate, here
Oaxaca cemetery with decorated altars and illuminated niches.
24 things in this story
- Panteón General cemeterySightOaxaca cemetery with decorated altars and illuminated niches.
- mole negroRestaurantSlow-cooked sauce often served with chicken in Oaxaca.
- 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.
- cempasúchilPlaceMexico City, MexicoOfficial flower of the dead, used for decoration.
- pozoleRestaurantMexico City, MexicoTraditional Mexican stew with meat and vegetables.
- calabaza en tachaRestaurantMérida, MexicoCandied pumpkin cooked in sugar cane syrup.
- 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