If there’s one thing in my bucket list for ages, that was celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico. I had a general idea of what it would be like, but the reality surpassed all my expectations.
I had visited Oaxaca earlier but in the early summer. I really loved it back then, but the Day of the Dead transforms the vibe. Altars everywhere, marigold flowers… somehow it becomes a surreal place.
Check the best photo locations in Oaxaca here.
What is the Day of the Dead
You might be wondering what the Day of the Dead really is… or you might already watched the Pixar movie Coco and have a brief idea about it.
Despite people in skeleton make up, it has nothing to do with Halloween. This tradition comes from the indigenous traditions with Spanish catholic influence.
Nowadays, the Day of the Dead it’s a time of the year to celebrate the ones that are no longer with us, guiding their spirits back home through ofrendas.
Things to do in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead
You would think it’s celebrated the night of Halloween only, but in reality, that’s almost the end of the celebrations. If you want to visit Oaxaca I recommend staying there the whole week prior.
Tip: Book months ahead! Hotels and airbnb’s sold out and there’s literally nowhere available if you wait until next minute. Oaxaca is not a big town, so options are limited.
- Best time to visit: from October 28 to November 2
- How to get there: flight to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)
- Where to stay: choose accommodation in the historic center to experience everything on foot
Tip: Book your stay months in advance. Hotels and Airbnbs fill up fast, and there’s literally nothing available if you wait until the last minute. Oaxaca isn’t a big city, so options are limited. Hurry up!
Where to stay in Oaxaca:
- 5*: Hotel Sin Nombre
- 4*: Boulenc bed and bread
- Boutique: Hotel Naura Centro
Enjoy the local decorations
Oaxaca is decorated in every corner for Día de Muertos, but most of the action is concentrated in the city center, with giant catrinas, sand drawings, and all kinds of artistic expressions.
- Zócalo: In the main square, you’ll find various ofrendas, including a giant one next to the cathedral, as well as art exhibitions inside the Palacio de Gobierno.
- Andador Turístico: Here you’ll see giant catrinas, murals, and enormous sand drawings. The shops and restaurants along the Andador Turístico are decorated, and a craft market is set up next to the Templo de Santo Domingo.
- Barrio de Jalatlaco: Almost the entire Jalatlaco neighborhood is decorated—it’s worth visiting to see the murals.
- Barrio de Xochimilco: Here you’ll find the famous red bench, with a message that updates every few weeks.
- Local restaurants: Don’t miss Los Danzantes and La Toscana. They usually have incredible decorations both on the façade and inside.
If you’re looking for a photographer for a session in Oaxaca, contact Frank Coronado on Instagram.
Visit the marigold fields
The marigold fields around Oaxaca are a feast for the senses.
During Día de Muertos, these bright orange flowers are harvested to decorate altars and streets across the city. Walking among the fields is a must before the celebrations.
Tip: if you’d like to take cool photos in Oaxaca, visit Fito flor.
Find ofrendas and sand paintings along the city
Every corner of Oaxaca comes alive with altars and sand paintings.
Ofrendas honor loved ones who have passed, adorned with candles, flowers and favorite foods and they can be found eat local businesses. All these elements and a marigold path guides the spirits back home.
Ofrendas include several things, including the 4 elements of life:
- On the top tier: photos of the departed the ofrenda is dedicated to
- Favorite foods and drinks, or toys in case of children
- Sugar skulls to represent the departed
- Candles and marigold flowers to guide the spirits back home
- A glass of water to quench their thirst
- Papel picado (perforated paper) to represent the wind
- Copal incense to ward off bad spirits
Keep your eyes peeled and you won’t miss them!
Tip: there’s one in Jalatlaco honoring the departed pets. The cutest ofrenda!
Join the parades
The parades are some of the most vibrant and joyful parts of Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca.
Everywhere you look, people dance as Catrinas, bands play traditional tunes, and families celebrate together. Joining any of these parades is an unforgettable way to feel the energy, creativity, and spirit of Oaxaca during this special time.
The Magna Comparsa is the largest, with hundreds of dancers, musicians, and elaborate floats filling the streets with color and rhythm. The Chinas Oaxaqueñas parade celebrates the traditional women of Oaxaca, showcasing their iconic dresses, elegant choreography, and folkloric beauty.
You will find many other organized by schools and businesses at different times if you’re close to the Andador Turístico.
Tip: Watch out! Pickpockets are working non-stop during the festivities. Keep your iPhone, wallets, and valuables secured at all times.
Indulge in chocolate and pan de muerto
The celebrations during this time of the year include enjoying pan de muerto, a soft, slightly sweet bread traditionally baked to honor the departed. It has a round shape and decorative bones or figures to symbolize the cycle of life and death.
Paired with a cup of hot chocolate, this combination has been a staple of Oaxacan celebrations for generations.
My fav places to enjoy it: Mercado 20 de Noviembre or Tierra del Sol.
Check here where to find the best food in Oaxaca.
Wear flower crowns and Catrina make up
Dressing up is part of the fun! Street vendors sell crowns made with fresh flowers almost anywhere.
Flower crowns and Catrina makeup will make you feel fully immersed in the city’s colorful atmosphere. It’s also a great way to snap photos that capture the true spirit of Día de los Muertos.
Tip: if you’d like to get the coolest catrina make up, reach out to Ross on instagram – she did my make up and it was absolutely incredible.
Visit the cemetery on the night of the 31st
The most breathtaking experience is visiting the pantheons on the night of October 31st. This experience absolutely blew my mind!
On the night of the 31st, it’s time to visit the pantheons and spend the night celebrating with the departed. All the tombs are decorated with candles, marigold flowers, and the favorite foods or drinks of those who have passed. Some families hire mariachis to play their loved ones’ favorite songs, singing and dancing to celebrate the way the departed would have loved if they were there. Even drinking mezcal! Others share stories about how amazing their relatives were, and some simply sit in silence, honoring the moment on this special night.
You’ll be amazed by the lights, the sounds of music, and the joyful atmosphere. It’s an experience like no other! It really brings tears to my eyes just to write about it.
Pantheons to visit: Xoxocotlán and Santa Maria Atzompa.
Tip: Wear an extra layer—it gets cold at night! And remember to stay quiet and respectful while visiting.
Visit the alebrijes from San Martin de Tilcajete
A must-do activity while in Oaxaca is taking a tour to San Martin de Tilcajete: it’s like stepping into a world of color and imagination!
This small town is famous for its alebrijes: vibrantly painted wooden creatures that blend elements of real and fantastical animals. Walking through the workshops, you can see artisans at work, carving and painting each piece by hand, often using techniques passed down through generations.
Whether you buy an alebrije as a keepsake or simply admire their intricate details, seeing these unique creations up close is an unforgettable experience.
Fun fact: Coco’s story was inspired in part by this town, where Miguel’s grandma’s is said to have been modeled.
Tip: visit Una inspiración de mi vida if you’d like to see how alebrijes are made. They will also reveal your own alebrije!
Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca is one of those experiences that stay with you forever. Colors, scents, music, and tradition come together in one of Mexico’s most beautiful festivities.
Save this guide for your trip to Oaxaca!