How to Experience the Most Colorful and Magical Holiday of the Year in Mexico City

What is Dia de los Muertos?

Dia de Muertos, Die de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors the deceased that dates back thousands of years. This isn’t a sad or morbid occasion by a longshot. It is a rather joyful, colorful and celebratory way of remembering family members, friends and ancestors that have passed on.

I moved to Mexico City a year and a half ago and have had the amazing opportunity to participate twice in this vibrant, high-energy holiday. It has become my all-time favorite “festividad” due to its vitality, history and cultural significance.

In preparation for the holiday, participants prepare altars at home or in public places of their deceased loved ones. Family members also prepare the gravesite of their loved ones. They are decorated with candles, photos, personal items, and marigolds, which are the traditional flowers of the dead. The offerings include, food and drinks that the deceased enjoyed during their life, such as bread, chocolate, tequila, mole, cigarettes and much more.

Commemorating the cycle of life and death, Dia de los Muertos is observed from October 31 to November 2, coinciding with the Catholic All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, but festivities occur during most of October and the first 2 weeks of November. During these days, as the veil to the spirit world is thinned, participants believe that the spirits of their loved ones return to visit them - and oh boy are they ready to receive them. How incredibly beautiful is that?

The Parade

One of the most impressive and memorable events of this holiday is the Dia de los Muertos parade. It is a relatively new tradition that started in 2016, inspired by the James Bond movie Spectre, which featured a fictional Day of the Dead parade. The actualized parade has become a huge attraction for locals and tourists alike, who flock to the streets to witness the incredulous spectacle.

The parade starts from the Angel of Independence monument and ends at the Zocalo square. It features hundreds of floats, giant puppets, and performers dressed as skeletons, catrinas, and other iconic symbols of the holiday. A celebration of life and death, as well as of Mexican culture and history, the parade showcases the diversity and creativity of the people who participate in it. It also pays tribute to the ancestors and heroes who have shaped the nation’s identity. The parade is a way of expressing gratitude and respect to those who have gone before us.

At Zocalo square where the parade ends, a massive decorated altar is set up to welcome the spirits. The public can also place their own offerings and messages for their loved ones there. The altar is surrounded by music, dance, and art performances that create a festive atmosphere.

Visiting Cemeteries

The cemeteries are transformed into lively and colorful places where people celebrate the lives of their ancestors. They tell stories, sing songs, play games, and laugh together. They invite other participants to join them and offer food and drinks.

You can find tours to cemeteries or a list may be published of cemeteries that are open to visitors during this sacred event. Just be respectful, sincerely interested in the customs and remember that this is about the lives of those passed on, so stopping to hear a funny story (or asking for one) is welcome. Obviously, treat their loved ones as you would want someone to treat yours. Here are a few tips for visiting cemeteries:

Do some research on the history and traditions of Dia de los Muertos before you go.

Ask for permission before taking photos or touching anything at the altars or cemeteries.
Be respectful of the people’s beliefs and customs. Don’t make fun of or mock anything you see or hear.
Dress appropriately for the occasion. Avoid wearing costumes or masks that are disrespectful or inappropriate. Dressing as a Catrina is perfectly appropriate.
Be open-minded and curious. Ask questions politely and listen attentively.
Relax, enjoy yourself and have fun. Dia de Muertos is a celebration of life!

Traditional Elements of Dia de los Muertos

Pan de Muerto

Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is a special pastry that people eat during Dia de Muertos. It is a round bread that has pieces shaped like bones on top and sugar on it. It usually has anise seeds, orange zest, or sesame seeds for flavor. Pan de muerto symbolizes the body of the dead and people put it on the altars or ofrendas for the spirits. People also eat it with their family and friends to remember and honor the dead.

Flora Cempasuchil

Marigold flowers, or cempasuchil, are the most important flowers for this holiday. They are yellow or orange flowers that smell strong and sweet. People think that they help the souls of the dead find their way back to their homes with their color and aroma. Marigold flowers are used to adorn the altars, the graves, and the streets for the holiday. People also make them into garlands, wreaths, and crosses. Marigold flowers show the fragility and beauty of life.

La Catrina

Catrina, or the elegant skull, is a famous figure of Dia de Muertos. It is a female skeleton that wears a fancy hat and clothes. Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada made it in 1910 to mock the upper class who wanted to copy European culture and forgot their own Mexican identity. Catrina became a symbol of Dia de Muertos after Mexican muralist Diego Rivera put her in his famous painting “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park” in 1947. Catrina shows that death is equal for everyone, no matter how rich or poor they are .

Sugar Skulls

Sugar skulls, or calaveras de azúcar, are a special type of candy that people make and eat. Shaped like human skulls and decorated with colorful icing, foil, beads, and other items, they usually have the name of a deceased person written on them. Sugar skulls are a symbol of life and death, as well as a tribute to the dead. They are placed on the altars or ofrendas for the spirits, or given as gifts to friends and relatives.

Calaveras

Calaveras are representations of human skulls that hold significant cultural and artistic value. Traditionally made from sugar or clay, these decorative skulls are intricately adorned with vibrant colors and patterns. During Día de Muertos, calaveras serve as a symbol of the cycle of life and death, reflecting the belief that death is a natural part of the human experience. They are commonly used to decorate alters and are also featured in literary works known as “Calaveras literarias,” which are humorous poems that playfully address the topic of mortality. Calaveras embody the joyous spirit of the holiday, celebrating life while honoring those who have passed away.

Planning Your Dia de los Muertos Celebration

To fully immerse yourself into the celebration, planning is crucial because there is an endless array of events that you can participate in. I had planning meetings with my friends before embarking upon events. It was well worth it to prevent overwhelm. If you plan to be in Mexico during this exciting holiday here are a few tips for getting yourself organized:

Check the internet for schedules of events. If visiting Mexico City, the government always publishes a schedule: https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx. You’ll surely find others if simply you Google, “Dia de los Muertos schedule of events (year)”
Check Airbnb experiences
Check your favorite tour operators, i.e. Viator or Trip Advisor or Google “Dia de los Muertos Tours”
Ask a local
Join pertinent WhatsApp groups
Check community boards

In Conclusion

Dia de Muertos in Mexico is a unique and unforgettable experience that you should not miss if you are in the capital or any other town in Mexico during this time of the year - as a matter of fact, it is absolutely worth planning a trip around. You won’t regret it and you’ll be amazed by the beauty and meaning of this holiday.

See Mexico in all its glory here in this relaxation film: Magical Mexico

https://youtu.be/R1jP6qvBfQ0

Dia de los Muertos