Day of the Dead Celebration in Mexico: Origin and activities

The Dia de Muertos or Day of the Dead Celebration in Mexico is one of the most recognized traditions that has gained greater international relevance in recent years. And with good reason: throughout Mexico it is believed that on this day the souls of the deceased return to spend time with their families and taste exquisite foods. During this time, it is common to see altars in Mexican homes decorated with colorful cut paper, candles, photographs, and traditional food. It is a beautiful tradition full of great meaning and mysticism that is celebrated both inside and outside homes throughout the country.

Nowadays, the festival is commonly received with visits to local cemeteries, Catrina parades, dances, and performances of all kinds. Depending on the area of the country, there are very specific habits for each population. In this guide we show you the places to celebrate the Day of the Dead Celebration during the last week of October and first week of November.

Origin of the Day of the Dead

We cannot begin this article without mentioning that one of the most controversial topics surrounding this mystical celebration is its origin. For years, experts and researchers from around the world have argued about the origin of the Day of the Dead in Mexico and why it is celebrated without reaching a common agreement. However, what we can say is that the festivity is the result of the fusion between pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions during the time of the Spanish conquest.

And the offerings with food and flowers that are customary today have a close relationship with what was done in the olden days. The ancient pre-Hispanics decorated altars with food and candles, as it was thought that this would help their deceased in their transition to the afterlife. On the other hand, the European tradition of All Saints is also known, whose festival celebrates that souls have overcome purgatory towards eternal life. The combination of both traditions explains the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico.

Where to celebrate in Mexico City

Everyone thinks that in Mexico we laugh at death and celebrate it, however this is far from the truth. In Mexico something that we could call a “festive mourning” takes place. On the Day of the Dead, people sing and dance in traditional gowns, however, they also cry and remember with nostalgia those souls that have left the earthly plane.

Mexico City is the place that we recommend you visit to live these experiences. It is not for nothing that the capital receives more than a million people per year to enjoy the activities it offers during these days.

Offerings and altars

Typically, during the last week of October and the first week of November, it is possible for us to visit at the Mexican Capital some of the largest and most emblematic offerings in the country. To mention a few, every year a Mega offering is organized in the Zócalo. It is made up of impressive altars that are located within the Plaza de la Constitución and adorned from the Paseo de la Reforma with cempasúchil flowers (flower of the dead). We also find the now traditional Mega offering at the Olympic Stadium of the National University of Mexico (UNAM). Like every year, a special theme is established for its offering and students from their different faculties compete by making altars with different flowers, seeds, and mats. This results in a series of settings that are unmissable for both tourists and locals.

Parades

To conclude the calendar of Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, the Grand Parade takes place. Implemented after the filming of the movie 007: Specter, with scenes of such celebration in the country's capital. On this four-and-a-half-hour tour you can see large figures on floats and countless dancers and acrobatic groups, and finish the evening with concerts by guest artists in the Zócalo Square. Without a doubt it is an experience that you must live.

Visit the cemeteries of Azcapotzalco

In this municipality, several tours are organized by various companies to visit the main cemeteries of the city such as Santa Lucía, Santa Cruz Acayucan and San Isidro. Some tours even have bilingual guides. However, if you prefer to do the tours on your own, it is also a good option. We are sure that the mythical atmosphere generated by the candles and marigold flowers of the places will leave you captivated.

La Llorona in front of the lake

One of the experiences that you cannot miss during the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico is the one celebrated in the canals of Xochimilco. It is in this place where skull competitions and pre-Hispanic dances are held. Also, here the canals come alive to host the grand opera La Llorona in front of the lake, which takes place during the weekend nights. You can also enjoy night tours on the main canals.

Coffee, Chocolate and Pan de Muerto Festival

For food lovers, we also have an unmissable event. Every year the Coffee, Chocolate and Pan de Muerto Festival is held at the emblematic Churubusco Convention Center. Not only will you enjoy the classic Pan de Muerto with orange blossom (a type of sweet bread), but you will also find non-traditional breads brought to you from various parts of the Mexican Republic. Of course, always accompanied by a good coffee or chocolate.

So now you know that you can experience the Day of the Dead Celebration in Mexico not just in the most traditional states.

The Aztec capital can be an excellent option to enjoy, with various activities to satisfy all tastes. The Day of the Dead is a holiday to remember those loved ones who, although they are no longer physically with us, we will always have them present.

Planning your next trip? Check out our hotels in Mexico City.

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