For over six centuries, the ancient Aztec traditions around Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, have evolved to incorporate many religious beliefs and customs. While these festivals have stayed true to their original significance, communing with those who have been welcomed into the afterlife, they’ve also remained distinctly Mexican—flipping the American script of wearing all black and mourning, and instead providing a more celebratory and positive way to grapple with loss.
These celebratory traditions include making ofrendas (offerings) to the souls who have passed on via elaborately decorated altars. These ofrendas often include water, tequila, pan de muerto (a special sweet bread baked for Día de los Muertos), and orange and gold cempasúchil (marigold flowers), whose strong fragrance is believed to attract souls to the ofrendas. These events are traditionally bursting with bright colors, fireworks, live music, face painting, and beautiful artwork—and here are five of the best places to experience Día de los Muertos festivals, in Mexico and beyond.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
With its temperate weather, vibrant culture, and seemingly endless supply of mezcal, Oaxaca was named the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure. Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca—said to have one of the most traditional Día de los Muertos festivals in Mexico—featuring comparsas or carnival-style parades filled with traditional costumes, music, and dancing.
Mexico City, Mexico
As Mexico’s capital, Mexico City is the perfect place for an introduction to Día de los Muertos. At a three-day parade of bright and colorful floats, costumes, face painting, and music, you can expect a wide range of inclusive activities for almost everyone in your family. Meander the city’s Zócalo to catch the enormous ofrendas embellished with bright orange and yellow marigolds, listen to the sounds of the mariachi bands, or hitch a boat ride at night through the ancient, eerie canals to watch a special live performance about the legend of La Llorona (The Weeper). Elegant accommodations at Andaz Mexico City or Casa Polanco place you at the heart of it all.
Mérida, Mexico
Loved for its historical charm and rich Mayan culture, Mérida presents a more intimate Día de los Muertos experience. Known locally as Hanal Pixán, the annual celebration enlivens city streets with processions and community events. Festivities emphasize tradition, with families creating altars filled with foods, candles, and marigolds to honor loved ones who have passed on.
For a fitting home base in Mérida, stay at Chablé Resort & Spa, where ancient Mayan traditions meet modern luxury on lush grounds complete with a natural cenote.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrates Día de los Muertos with a distinctive charm, transforming its cobblestone streets into vibrant displays of tradition. The city comes alive with colorful papel picado, marigold petals, and ornate altars honoring loved ones. The festivities extend to local cemeteries, where families gather to decorate graves with candles and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere of light and life through the night. Parades, music, and markets offering festive treats like pan de muerto and sugar skulls enhance the experience, immersing visitors in the unique spirit of this enchanting colonial city.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende offers luxury hotel accommodations in the tradition of a grand hacienda overlooking the city. Casa Fuentes, meanwhile, is a four-bedroom villa with a private pool and panoramic rooftop terrace—ideal for a group celebrating Día de los Muertos in San Miguel de Allende.
San Antonio, Texas
The celebrations aren’t limited to Mexico. San Antonio hosts one of the largest Día de los Muertos festivals in the U.S., blending Mexican traditions with a Texan twist. The city comes alive with colorful parades and elaborate ofrendas, while a variety of live performances showcase traditional music and dance. Along the iconic River Walk, the festivities extend to include processions of painted faces, cultural exhibitions, and even art installations that tell the stories behind the holiday. The festival’s dynamic atmosphere draws locals and visitors alike, offering a unique opportunity to experience this cultural celebration outside of Mexico. Between events, retreat to La Cantera Resort & Spa just outside the city or enjoy the historic charm of the boutique Hotel Emma.
Wherever you choose to celebrate, Día de los Muertos offers a unique way to connect with Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Each destination provides a distinct experience, allowing visitors to honor life and death in a joyful, colorful way.
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