Update: Nov 6, 2023 – Day of the Dead in Mexico City has come and gone for 2023. Use this article to take a look back at the annual events that took place in 2023, which can also help...
Update: Nov 6, 2023 – Day of the Dead in Mexico City has come and gone for 2023. Use this article to take a look back at the annual events that took place in 2023, which can also help plan for things to do for Día de Muertos 2024 in CDMX. We’ll update this information for 2024 soon! Also, know that there are still some late-season Day of the Dead events lasting throughout November 2023 – see box below.
There are still a few Day of the Dead events in Mexico City lingering into November! Read on for full details. Here’s a quick schedule of late Día de Muertos things to do in November:
Mexicráneos: through November 14 Legend of La Llorona canal ride and show: through November 18 Ofrenda at Casa Azul (Frida museum): through late November (exact end date unknown) Ofrenda at Anahuacalli (Diego Rivera museum): through December 17Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico City is a festive and fascinating experience, with so many different things to do! The 2023 Día de Muertos celebrations in Mexico City are shaping up to be the biggest and most robust yet, as new annual events continue to be added to the wide assortment of things to do.
Throughout Mexico City, there are candlelit cemeteries to wander through for an intimate experience of this ancestral tradition. Yet there are also many big & festive Day of the Dead events in CDMX, such as parades and concerts.
Enormous ofrendas (remembrance altars) are erected in Mexico City’s Zócalo (central plaza) and elsewhere. Nighttime boat rides through ancient canals with special Día de Muertos performances are another fun thing to do on Day of the Dead in Mexico City.
For more culture, go to one of Mexico City’s renowned museums, which display their own elaborate ofrendas. Or join the party at one of the many fun-filled Day of the Dead celebrations spread throughout Mexico City’s colonias (neighborhoods).
Yet there are also simple customary Day of the Dead activities in Mexico City for everyone to enjoy, found just about anywhere in the city. For example, the traditions of getting a catrina face paint or eating pan de muerto (bread of the dead) are both must-dos during Day of the Dead in CDMX.
Although Day of the Dead in Mexico City has been a bit different in recent years, everything felt back to normal last year and should remain so for Dia de los Muertos 2023. In fact, some brand new Day of the Dead events were introduced last year and are anticipated to return in 2023!
Day of the Dead in Mexico City
Day of the Dead is a special holiday throughout Mexico. Known locally as Día de Muertos, this annual tradition is to remember and honor deceased family members. There is a belief that during this time the dead come closer to be with those of us who are living. It’s a beautiful custom that is unique to Mexico.
In fact, the holiday was even inscribed as one of Mexico’s intangible Unesco World Heritage Sites, right alongside mariachi and tequila! (Read the full Unesco description.)
These beautiful Day of the Dead traditions shine brightly throughout Mexico’s big sprawling capital city.
Why Travel to Mexico City for Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is well worth traveling to Mexico to experience. Yet there are many places throughout the country to consider.
The town of Pátzcuaro has become arguably one of the most famous places to observe these cultural traditions surrounding Día de Muertos. Oaxaca is another notable city to observe the Day of the Dead customs. Or head further south to the state of Chiapas, where the indigenous traditions come alive in San Cristobal de las Casas. We spent our last Day of the Dead in Guadalajara to see how another big city celebrates this holiday.
Those are all great destinations to consider spending Dia de Muertos. But it’s Mexico City’s Day of the Dead festivities that we found so impressive, culturally interesting, loads of fun, and with so many options of things to do! In Mexico City, Day of the Dead celebrations combine many old and new traditions alike. This makes for a particularly attractive city in Mexico to experience Dia de los Muertos.
From a practical standpoint, the numerous flight connections to Mexico City make Mexico’s capital an easy place to travel to for Day of the Dead. There are many economical direct flights to Mexico City from other locations throughout Mexico, the US, Canada, and further abroad. To celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico City, there’s often no need for airport layovers, buses, or added travel. So simply for convenience, Mexico City can be an attractive choice to celebrate Day of the Dead. This holds particularly true for those traveling to Mexico from abroad to celebrate this special holiday.
Day of the Dead in Mexico City is a very festive time to be in the nation’s capital. Many of Mexico City’s streets are colorfully decorated. There’s a fun mood in the air. Even bars and restaurants throughout CDMX put up Day of the Dead ofrendas during this holiday period.
But perhaps one of the best things about Day of the Dead in Mexico City is that there’s such a wide abundance of activities to partake in, from intimate gatherings at cemeteries to big festive celebrations. Like many aspects of Mexico City, everything tends to be big here. Day of the Dead in Mexico City is no exception.
The several Day of the Dead events in Mexico City range from cultural to commercial. It can be a little tricky figuring out exactly where to go and what events are most worth attending.
We’ve celebrated this special holiday in CDMX in a grand attempt to seek out the most interesting things to do in Mexico City during Day of the Dead. This detailed travel guide now offers our suggestions for anyone considering Day of the Dead in Mexico City in 2023 or beyond.
When Is Day of the Dead in Mexico City 2023?
Day of the Dead falls on November 2 every year throughout Mexico. Yet in Mexico City, the holiday can often feel like a weeklong affair. Many Day of the Dead festivities begin in Mexico City the weekend before Dia de los Muertos, and a few events even earlier! Then, the night of October 31 kicks off a 3-day string of Day of the Dead activities in Mexico City.
October 31: eve of Dia de Muertos and is also known as noche de brujas (night of the witches). November 1: Day of the Innocents, commemorates deceased children. November 2: the actual Day of the Dead.In 2023, since Día de Muertos falls on a Thursday, there are many Day of the Dead events in Mexico City continuing during the weekend after the holiday. Even Mexico City’s Day of the Dead parade is the weekend after, falling on Saturday, November 4th this year.
It all makes for a busy and festive several days to spend in Mexico City! The Day of the Dead holiday period expands throughout the weekends before and after the November 2nd holiday. Mexico loves its fiestas after all!
Since Day of the Dead falls on a Thursday in 2023, festivities in Mexico City are well underway the weekend before Day of the Dead (Oct 28-29, 2023). A bulk of celebrations will fall on the actual holiday (Nov 1-2, 2023). Yet many popular Mexico City Dia de los Muertos events will also last into the weekend that follows (Nov 4-5, 2023).
When Is the Best Time to Be in Mexico City for Day of the Dead 2023
Since Day of the Dead falls mid-week in 2023, this makes planning a trip to Mexico City a bit trickier. That’s because some of Mexico City’s Día de Muertos events will be held the weekend before the Nov 2 holiday, while other events will be held the weekend after.
Those who have plenty of time to spare should consider staying in Mexico City from October 27 through November 5, as the best time to maximize Mexico City’s Day of the Dead celebrations. That will provide over a week to experience the magic of Día de Muertos in Mexico City.
Meanwhile, if you are only able to stay for one weekend, you’ll need to choose wisely to stay during the weekend before or after, depending on the events and celebrations you may wish to attend.
Just know that either weekend you choose, there will certainly be an assortment of festive Day of the Dead activities going on throughout Mexico City.
10 Best Things to Do for Day of the Dead in Mexico City 2023
The remainder of this article details all the info and firsthand recommendations for what to do in Mexico City for Day of the Dead in 2023. Additionally, below is a map showing the location of everything listed throughout this travel guide.
Here’s a quick glance at all the best things to do for Day of the Dead in Mexico City 2023.
Watch Mexico City’s Great Day of the Dead Parade Visit the Great Ofrenda in the Zocalo Join the fiesta in Xochimilco for Day of the Dead celebrations Float through the Legend of La Llorona in Xochimilco canals Enjoy the Coyoacán Day of the Dead festivities Visit Mexico City museums with special ofrendas Experience cemeteries on Day of the Dead in Mexico City Eat Pan de Muerto from local bakeries Become a Catrina or Join the Procession of Catrinas Stroll Reforma for Giant Skulls, Huge Catrinas, Monumental Alebrijes, and Flower FestGet thrilled at Six Flags Mexico City with Day of the Dead fun
1) Attend the Great Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City 2023
Known locally as El Gran Desfile de Día de Muertos, The Great Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City has quickly become a major event to celebrate the holiday in CDMX.
This big parade through Mexico City displays some of the beautiful ancestral traditions of Day of the Dead, complete with large skeleton puppets, moving altars, alebrijes (mythical spirit creatures), marigolds, catrinas, sugar skulls, traditional dancers, and more.
The Great Day of the Dead parade draws millions of spectators to Mexico City’s downtown area to witness the spectacular display. It’s a fun atmosphere, full of children and street vendors.
This Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City is actually a relatively new tradition that began in 2016. The parade is said to have been inspired by a scene in the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre. In the movie, the opening scene shows Daniel Craig as James Bond at a Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City.
But at the time the film was released, there was no such parade. So thereafter Mexico City decided to put on a big Day of the Dead parade, similar to what was depicted in the movie. It’s even been reported that props from the parade in the film are used in the actual parade today. This major parade has since become a beloved new tradition in Mexico City as millions of people come to witness it each year.
See the parade in action in this video we captured!
As it seemingly grows bigger each year, Mexico City’s Day of the Dead parade in 2023 is expected to be the best parade yet!
The 2023 Day of the Dead parade will feature 3,000 participants parade, 83 troupes, 9 big floats that pay tribute to the cultural history of Mexico, and another 12 pushable floats. There will be plenty of dancers and giant puppets among the participants to carry out this year’s parade theme.
If You Go: Info for Day of the Dead Parade Mexico City 2023
When: Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Where: The parade begins at Puerta de los Leones (entrance to Chapultepec Park), then travels up Av. Paseo de la Reforma, and ends at the Zocalo.
Cost: Free
Tip: It is advised to arrive as much as two hours early to get a good spot to actually view the parade. Viewing becomes extremely crowded and there is much traffic due to road closures leading up to the parade. Areas along the parade route are congested, as an estimated million people attend the parade each year. The pic below will provide some idea of the crowd size when attending the Great Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City.
While rooftop patios are a great option to avoid crowds, we’ve found the view at ground level to provide a better vantage to experience the Mexico City Day of the Dead parade. Arrive early and consider seeking out a less crowded spot midway down Reforma.
2) See the Monumental Ofrendas in Mexico City’s Zócalo
A visit to Mexico City’s Zócalo (the main square) is a must-do activity during a trip to Mexico City, any time of the year. During Day of the Dead, the enormous plaza takes on an even greater festive tone. There are grand ofrendas (altars honoring the dead) and stages set up for Day of the Dead celebrations.
As part of Mexico City’s Celebración de Muertos, a Great Ofrenda of the Zócalo depicts contemporary ofrendas throughout the plaza. Each year these giant ofrendas carry a different theme. So the ofrendas you find in the plaza do change from one year to the next.
For 2023, the Monumental Ofrenda will be in tribute to Pancho Villa. It was announced that a part this year’s ofrenda will reach 17 meters high. That’s higher than a five-story building! This towering ofrenda will be accompanied by additional ofrendas representing different traditions in Mexico. Head to Mexico City’s Zocalo to see these massive ofrendas, accompanied by a buzz of activity.
On the outskirts of the plaza, indigenous people perform traditional dance routines. It’s a fitting tribute, given that it takes place just outside of the ancient Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor where the historic center of Mexico City was built upon.
They also offer a limpia, or spiritual cleansing, by performing a quick ceremony blowing smoke and incense around your body. It’s a unique thing to do for Day of the Dead, right in the heart of Mexico City!
This all occurs on the Zocalo, just in front of the historic Aztec ruin site, Templo Mayor. If you’ve never been to this major historic attraction in Mexico City, Day of the Dead is a good time to visit. The archeological site also displays its own grand ofrenda, which will be on display through November 5.
The monumental ofrendas are located directly within the Zocalo, yet Mexico City’s historic center also displays different ofrendas along the streets in this area surrounding the Zocalo. It’s part of the Festival of Ofrendas and Floral Arrangements.
To see these many other ofrendas near the Zocala, simply walk around the historic center. This interactive map shows the locations of the 100+ displays found throughout the area. Yet you’re bound to run into many of these displays put together by Mexico City residents by simply roaming around Mexico City’s historic center.
If You Go: Monumental Ofrendas in Mexico City’s Zócalo
When: October 29 – November 5, 2023
Where: Zócalo. It’s perhaps the most centrally located spot in CDMX. So it’s easy to get to using public transport, taxi, Uber, or even walking. Exact location: here.
Cost: Free. The indigenous dancers and cleansers perform off tips.
3) Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico City’s Xochimilco Neighborhood
The Day of the Dead festivities throughout the alcaldía (borough) of Xochimilco feel particularly atmospheric. Many visitors to Mexico City come to Xochimilco for its famous canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet the Day of the Dead festivities going on throughout the center of this working-class neighborhood are also well worth the trip 28 kilometers (~17 miles) south of Mexico City Centro.
During Day of the Dead in Xochimilco, many festivities typically take place. Xochimilco is known for its pulque, a fermented agave drink. So during Day of the Dead in Xochimilco, there is a pulque fiesta that takes place adjacent to the neighborhood’s central plaza.
For 2023, the pulque fiesta will be held October 27 – November 5, daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm in Xochimilco’s historic center. It’s free entry and the pulques themselves are very reasonably priced.
Meanwhile, an abundance of vendors flood the closed-off street in front of the plaza that temporarily becomes a pedestrian thoroughfare.
Cultural dances take place in the plaza. And colorful sawdust carpets are put on display, all as part of the Xochimilco’s Day of the Dead festivities. There are also special ofrendas erected at Xochimilco’s Museo Dolores Olmedo, that are worth visiting during Day of the Dead.
Personally, we’ve really enjoyed Xochimilco’s Day of the Dead festivities and recommend it for fun local festivities with few international tourists.
The Xochimilco Craft Expo in the historic center of Xochimilco features local foods and artisanal craft products. For 2023, Xochimilco’s Day of the Dead artisanal craft market will run from October 27 – November 3, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
That’s all in addition to Xochimilco’s bonfires, pre-Hispanic dances, ofrenda contests, skull contests, and sawdust “rugs” used as seasonal Día de Muertos decorations.
Festivities in Xochimilco are underway the weekend before Day of the Dead and will continue through the holiday and even beyond. Expect folkloric ballets, live music, and other cultural events. Keep a pulse on the Xochimilco Facebook page for specific events and times, which are often announced last minute.
Yet what many people come to Xochimilco for are its famous canal boat rides. Boat trips offer visitors a glimpse into these canals throughout the year. But during the Día de Muertos period, there are special night canal trips with a show. More on that next!
If You Go: Info for Day of the Dead in Xochimilco
When: Friday, Oct 27 – Nov 5, 2023 (artisanal market ends Nov 3).
Where: In and around Plaza Central de Xochimilco, located: here.
Cost: Free. Even the pulque festival is free, but the pulques themselves cost a few pesos, of course.
Tip: When coming to Xochimilco for Día de Muertos, consider combining the visit with a ride in the famous canals that surround this neighborhood.
4) Experience the Legend of La Llorona through the Xochimilco Canals
All around the community of Xochimilco are the Unesco-listed canals that were dug out by the Aztecs. It’s a unique waterway that attracts people year-round to ride around on the colorful gondola-like boats called trajineras.
Yet as part of the Day of the Dead events in Mexico City, you can embark on a special night boat ride through the canals! It’s a Day of the Dead activity that’s been taking place in Mexico City for over 25 years now, called “La Llorona en Xochimilco.”
During the event, the ancient canals are transformed into a network of eerie waterways to tell the legend of La Llorona (The Weeper). This fable tells of a woman who drowned her children in a fit of rage and now spends eternity crying while searching for her children in the rivers.
This is a well-known tale all throughout Latin America that has been perpetuated even more broadly in pop culture in recent years. The song, La Llorona, is featured in the Disney-Pixar film Coco. And it’s this song that’s played throughout the evening while on the canals of Xochimilco. Even more recently, the lore of La Llorona forms the underlying plot for the 2019 movie, The Curse of La Llorona.
As people arrive at the pier where the trajineras depart, they stock up on snacks and cervezas, then load into these special boats. The boats can seat about 20 people, with a communal table in the middle. A separate boat carries La Llorona, as that famous song sharing her name, plays on a loop to a point that it’ll be stuck in your head for days.
After a 30-minute pole-propelled ride through the waterways, the boats reach a lake. It’s here that the boats get into a semi-circle formation to watch a big light & sound show with a live performance.
A huge pyramid lights up as Mexico’s history and myths are acted out. Of course, La Llorona makes an appearance too, but the performance goes well beyond her tale. The entire experience is part boat ride, part theater, part dance, and part sound & light show. It all adds up to quite a unique and interesting Day of the Dead event in Mexico City.
During the performance, vendor boats pull up in the back, offering everything from fresh hot elote (street corn) to tamales, and more cervezas. There’s even a boat carrying portable toilets, allowing people to relieve themselves for $10 pesos.
If You Go: Info for La Llorona Canal Boat Ride in Xochimilco
When: This event runs all weekends from Oct 6 to Nov 18. During the week of Day of the Dead, beginning Oct 31, it runs daily through the following weekend. During the week leading up to Nov 2, it runs nightly. Start times vary by day, running as early as 6pm and as late as 11pm, with some nights having two time slots. The full schedule is on ticketmaster.com.mx.
Where: There are many different points throughout Xochimilco to take a canal boat ride. Yet the only place to do this special La Llorona boat ride is from the Embarcadero Cuemanco Xochimilco, located here. It’s best to take an Uber or taxi.
Cost: Tickets are $500 pesos (~$25 USD), inclusive of the boat ride and performance. Be sure to bring extra pesos (cash) to buy snacks & drinks, use the floating toilet, and/or tip the boatman.
Tickets: You can buy tickets in advance, online at ticketmaster.com.mx. Do note that you still need to pick up the physical tickets at a Ticketmaster center. Also, be aware that by using Ticketmaster, there is a $50 peso service fee per ticket and a $35 peso ticket fee per order. Yet these nominal fees can be worth it to secure a ticket, particularly on busy weekends and on Día de Muertos.
Alternatively, there is a ticket booth at the boat docks in Cuemanco Xochimilco to buy tickets before the show. But be sure to arrive plenty early to queue up to buy tickets. Ticketing and boat assignments do take some time to work out, so allow plenty of time. We suggest arriving at least an hour before your desired trip.
Tips for La Llorona Boat Ride and Show:
5) Join Festivities for Day of the Dead in Coyoacán Centro
Día de Muertos in Coyoacán Centro is one of the biggest Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City. It’s quite the fiesta here!
This borough of Mexico City is an artsy neighborhood that goes all out for Day of the Dead. Within Coyoacán’s adjoining main plazas there are many ornate public ofrendas (altars) that are put on display. Stages are erected for cultural performances, orchestras, and even a catrina contest.
Surrounding Coyoacán’s main plazas are several blocks that are all closed-off to vehicular traffic. Instead, the streets are filled with a fair-like atmosphere.
There are loads of street food vendors, small carnival rides, and games to play. So chow down on some tacos and then play a carny game as music blares. It’s a really fun atmosphere to take in!
Coyoacán’s Day of the Dead celebrations include ofrendas in its main plaza and jardin (garden), many food vendors, children’s workshops, a local parade, and more.
We’ve found it easy to spend an entire afternoon and evening soaking in Coyoacán’s Day of the Dead festivities spanning several city blocks. However, those with lots of time or staying in the area could even consider coming here multiple days to take in the concerts and many other scheduled events.
Coyoacán’s main ofrenda display and other festivities begin Saturday, October 27, 2023 when the main ofrenda is inaugurated. A full schedule of Coyoacán events continues through November 4, which includes many daily concerts and Coyoacán’s local parade (Nov 1, 6:00 pm). See Coyoacán’s full calendar of events.
In addition to the major Day of the Dead festivities around Coyoacán’s gardens and plazas, many of Coyoacán’s museums also display elaborate Day of the Dead ofrendas. See #6!
If You Go: Info for Day of the Dead in Coyoacán 2023
When: Most of Coyoacán’s festivities are underway by October 27 and continue through November 4, 2023. See this calendar of events for exact dates and times.
Where: The festivities are held around the Centro de Coyoacán, which is anchored by the adjoining Plaza Hildago and Jardín Centenario, located: here.
Cost: Free to attend festivities and see Coyoacán’s ofrendas. Additional pesos are recommended for food and other activities.
Tip: When coming to Coyoacán Centro for Day of the Dead, consider combining a visit with nearby museums exhibiting Day of the Dead displays (see #6, below).
6) See the Day of the Dead Ofrendas at Mexico City’s Museums
Many of Mexico City’s museums put up elaborate ofrendas as a remembrance of the person or people the museum honors. Other museums offer a deeper look into the cultural traditions of Day of the Dead. The following four museums hold some of the most notable displays and temporary exhibits related to Día de Muertos.
Three of these museums with ofrendas are located within semi-close proximity to one another in Coyoacán. With good planning and advanced reservations, it’s possible and convenient to visit all three on the same day. Just don’t go on Monday – that’s when Mexico City’s museums are closed.
6a) Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum) Ofrenda
Arguably, one of the best ofrendas at a museum is at the Casa Azul (Blue House), also known as the Museo Frida Kahlo (Frida Kahlo Museum). This museum, dedicated to Mexico’s most famed female artist, puts up an elaborate display for Frida. It’s a lovingly impressive tribute to Frida!
While the ofrenda always honors Frida, the museum puts on a different theme each year and a completely different ofrenda. Last year, the theme was “The Kahlo-Cauldrons: Family Tree.” The museum’s ofrenda is honoring Frida’s grandparents, fathers and sisters.
For 2023, the museum announced the theme will be in tribute to Carlos Pellicer and his connection to Frida. The poet from Tabasco will be honored at this year’s ofrenda in styles from his home state. It’s a fitting tribute since Carlos Pellicer helped to establish the Frida Khalo museum that’s now honoring him.
When: October 22 through November 2023.
Museum hours: 10 am – 5:45 pm (last entrance at 5 pm). From 11 am on Wed, closed Mon. Where: Located here, in Coyoacán. Cost: Included with museum entrance of $250 pesos (+$17.50 peso service fee)
Tickets & More Info: Buy advanced tickets here Tip: Be sure to buy your timed entrance museum ticket because they do sell out.
6b) Anahuacalli (Diego Rivera) Museum Ofrenda
Anahuacalli is a museum dedicated to Diego Rivera. Of course, there is a huge ofrenda for this famous Mexican artist.
There is a different theme to Rivera’s ofrenda each year. For Day of the Dead 2023, it has been announced that the theme of the Anajuacalli Museum’s ofrenda will be “Pico y Chapo,” a tribute to Diego Rivera’s daughters. Pico y Chapo are the nicknames Rivera gave to his daughters. Expect 2023’s ofrenda to reflect upon the relationships the famed artist had with his two daughters, Mexican architect Ruth (Pico, 1927-1969) and French actress Marika (Chapo, 1919-2010).
Anahuacalli also hosts a Cocoa Festival during the Day of the Dead holiday time. The cocoa-themed festival includes cultural activities, tastings, workshops and live music.
When: Pico y Chapo ofrenda: October 27 – December 17, 2023.
Cocoa Festival: November 2-5, 2023. Where: Located here, in Coyoacan. Cost: Museum entrance – $100 pesos, Cocoa Festival – free Tickets & More Info: Reserve tickets here
6c) National Museum of Popular Cultures Ofrenda and Workshop
The Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares (National Museum of Popular Cultures) typically displays ofrendas from different parts of Mexico. This is a great place to learn about the regional differences in Day of the Dead celebrations throughout the entire country.
Like the other museums, the ofrendas changes annually. Last year the theme was Memorias de la vida, miradas de la muerte, loosely translated as “Memories of life, looks of death.”
For 2023, the National Museum of Popular Cultures is having doing three Day of the Dead workshops, each on a different day. They’re all free too – so go get crafty!
Here is the schedule for 2023:
October 31, 2023: Coffin toy making at 11:00 AM, Noon, and 1:00 PM. November 1, 2023: Cardboard skull decorating at 11:00 AM, Noon, and 1:00 PM. November 2, 2023: Paint a customized skull mask at 11:00 AM, Noon, and 1:00 PM. When: Museum hours: 11am – 6pm. Closed Mondays. Where: Located here, in Coyoacán. Cost: Free!
6d) Museum of Popular Art Ofrenda and Mini Alebrijes Display
Mexico City’s Museo de Arte Popular (Museum of Popular Art) carries lots of interesting folk art related to Day of the Dead and has special celebrations around the holiday. Like the aforementioned museums, the Museum of Popular Art also erects a special ofrenda that changes annually.
The museum also displays its mini alebrijes collection as part of its Day of the Dead exhibits. For those unfamiliar, alebrijes are mythical Day of the Dead creatures, often depicted in brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures.
Mexico City’s Museum of Popular Art also hosts a parade of alebrijes. This is one of the few early Day of the Dead events scheduled in Mexico City, as the museum’s alebrijes parade occurs on Saturday, October 21st, 2023. The parade begins in the Zocalo at Noon, and continues along Avenida 5 de Mayo and Paseo de la Reforma, to conclude at the roundabout of the Columna del Ángel de la Independencia.
If you’re not in Mexico City that early and still want to see the alebrijes, don’t worry. There’s another chance to check them out. After the conclusion of the parade, the alebrijes remain on display from Oct 21 – Nov 5, along the sidewalks of the Paseo between Columna de la Independencia and Calle Lieja.
When: Museum hours: 10 am-5 pm. Closed Mondays. Alebrijes Parade is on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Noon. Where: The museum is located here, in Centro.
The giant alebrijes are displayed here at the Independence Column. Cost: Museum entrance is $60 pesos, free on Sundays.
7) Visit a Cemetery in Mexico City for Day of the Dead
While there are many public Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Mexico City, much of the Día de Muertos traditions are a family affair. Families typically gather at ofrendas within their homes and at the cemeteries, to remember and honor their deceased loved ones.
A festive atmosphere spills over into the graveyards, as families commune with their fallen relatives. Graves are decorated with fresh flowers. Candles are lit. Pan de muerto is passed around. Lots of eating and drinking takes place, all right at the gravesites. Many of the deceased’s favorite foods and beverages are left for them to enjoy in the afterlife.
You can typically find these traditions being carried out in many of Mexico’s City’s cemeteries, many of which are known locally as panteónes.
On the night of November 2, Mexico City cemeteries become completely abuzz as the graves are lit up by candlelight and Cempasúchil (marigold flowers) are scattered about. It’s a beautiful custom to take in and observe ancestral traditions.
When visiting a cemetery for Day of the Dead, visitors must be respectful and should come with some understanding of the cultural traditions that are being carried out. Realize this is not a tourist attraction to gawk at and take photos. These are family members reconnecting with their deceased loved ones. That said, some Mexico City cemeteries are welcoming of respectful visitors.
Best Mexico City Cemeteries to Visit during Day of the Dead
Visitors should realize that not all of Mexico City’s cemeteries hold Day of the Dead celebrations. Some cemeteries remain closed during the holiday or close during the night hours. Other cemeteries may have family gatheri