Oaxaca, Mexico
Día de los Muertos: Mexico’s Beautiful Day of the Dead
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Far from morbid, Mexico's Día de los Muertos (Oct 31 – Nov 2) is a warm, joyful celebration of loved ones who have passed — a riot of marigolds, candlelit altars (ofrendas), sugar skulls, music and food that UNESCO recognises as living heritage.
Where to be
Oaxaca is the soul of the festival — its markets, cemetery vigils and street comparsas are unforgettable. Pair it with grand Mexico City and the ruins of Monte Albán.
Be a good guest
This is a family remembrance, not a party for outsiders. Dress respectfully at cemeteries, always ask before photographing a vigil, and join in with warmth. If you hold a US visa, you likely won't need a separate Mexican one — check first.
Day-by-day itinerary
Mexico City
Sat, 31 OctDelhi → Mexico City
Delhi (DEL) → Mexico City (MEX)
30 Oct, 9:30 pm
Constitution Plaza
plaza
Pl. de la Constitución S/N, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Frida Kahlo Museum
art museum
Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Templo Mayor Museum
museum
Seminario 8, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Oaxaca
Sun, 1 NovColonial Hotel, Oaxaca Centro
Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca (Plaza de La Constitución)
1 Nov, 8:30 am
Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca (Plaza de La Constitución)
city park
Portal del Palacio, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
church
C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Panteón General
cemetery
Centro, 68104 Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca
Mon, 2 NovColonial Hotel, Oaxaca Centro
Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca (Plaza de La Constitución)
1 Nov, 8:30 am
Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán
tourist attraction
Ignacio Bernal S/N, 71233 San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Oax., Mexico
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
tourist attraction
20 de Noviembre 512, OAX_RE_BENITO JUAREZ, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Barrio de Xochimilco
sublocality level 1
Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Muertos kit
- Respectful clothing for cemetery visits
- A B1/B2 US visa (often lets you skip a Mexican one)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash in pesos for markets & offerings
- A camera — but ask before photographing vigils
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