When it comes to celebrating Halloween and the Day of the Dead, Mexico stands out as an ideal destination for its customs, traditions, and unique festivals. These festivities, though different in their origins and symbolism, converge during the same period, creating a magical, special atmosphere for those seeking authentic, meaningful experiences.
That’s why we have prepared a brief list of the best places to experience a Halloween full of adrenaline and a Day of the Dead full of meaning, so you can make the most of the season.
How is Halloween celebrated in Mexico?
Halloween, though originating from the Celtic festival of Samhain, has found a special place in Mexican culture. In Mexico, various customs of this celebration have been adopted, leading to an interesting mix of traditions. The country’s main cities fill with costumes, parties, and themed events, creating a festive, lively ambiance in the streets to the cry of “¡Queremos Halloween!”
In tourist areas like Cancun, the Mayan Riviera, and Mexico City, it’s common to find bars and restaurants decorated with pumpkins, witches, and ghosts, offering activities that combine fright and fun.
For those who want to experience the essence of Halloween in Mexico, Mexico City is an excellent starting point. The historic center and neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma fill with costume parades, horror film screenings, and tours in historic places like the San Fernando Cemetery, the Witches’ House, or terror festivals and haunted houses (like the one at Six Flags), perfect for those who enjoy ghost stories and urban legends.
Places where the Day of the Dead is celebrated
Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a traditional Mexican festivity that honors the deceased in a unique way, with ofrendas, altars, and parades full of color and music. There are many places where Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico, but some destinations are must-visits for the authenticity and splendor of their festivities:
1. Mexico City
The country’s capital dresses up with the majestic Day of the Dead Parade, which runs along Paseo de la Reforma to the Zócalo. This event brings together thousands of people who participate with catrina costumes, floats, and monumental figures representing death.
At Fiesta Americana Reforma Mexico City, you will have the best seat for the Day of the Dead Parade. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers unparalleled views of the event, letting you immerse yourself in this colorful tradition without leaving your private space.
Alternatively, at the Anahuacalli Museum and at Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, impressive ofrendas are mounted that pay homage to historical and cultural figures.
2. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
This is one of the most emblematic destinations to experience the Day of the Dead. On Lake Pátzcuaro, the mystical “Night of the Dead” takes place, where families light candles and decorate graves with marigolds, creating a magical landscape. It’s an intimate, respectful moment, full of spirituality found nowhere else.
3. Oaxaca
The city of Oaxaca stands out for its comparsas, which are parades full of music and dance, and its colorful altars. The San Miguel cemetery comes alive during these dates with decorated altars and activities like the “Vigil for the Dead,” where people sing and remember loved ones.
4. Janitzio, Michoacán
The small island of Janitzio is lit with candles and lanterns in honor of the deceased. During the celebration, families gather in the cemetery to keep vigil at graves, create ofrendas, and enjoy traditional dishes.
How to decide where to celebrate Day of the Dead?
Every Mexican state has its own ways of celebrating the Day of the Dead. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico, we also recommend visiting places like San Andres Mixquic in Mexico City, or the state of Puebla, where the traditional “Feria del Mictlán” is held.
The most popular tourist destinations, like Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, also join this celebration with events that combine the traditional with the contemporary. If you’re thinking of traveling during this time, we suggest planning in advance and seeking reservations at Fiesta Americana Vacation Club to ensure lodging in hotels known for offering authentic, high-quality cultural experiences.
Recommendations to enjoy Halloween and the Day of the Dead
- Research local traditions: Each region has its own celebration style. Knowing the history behind each tradition will let you enjoy the festivities even more.
- Book in advance: The most popular events, like the Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City or the Night of the Dead in Pátzcuaro, attract thousands of visitors, so it’s advisable to secure your tickets and lodging ahead of time.
- Participate actively: Dressing in traditional attire, painting your face like a catrina, or contributing an ofrenda will help you integrate and experience the celebration more deeply.
Experiencing these festivities in Mexico means immersing yourself in a world where life and death intertwine with respect, art, and celebration. Now that you know how Halloween and the Day of the Dead are celebrated, what will be the next destination on your list?