Día de Muertos 2024 in Mexico City:
Embrace the Mexican Tradition
Information updated: October 23th 2024
Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico City 2024!
The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most iconic and exciting festivals, where thousands gather to celebrate in the streets, showing that Mexicans do not fear death but honor it joyfully with music, food, dance, and smiles.
Choosing the right neighborhood for your stay is crucial to making the most of the celebrations. We’ve picked the top five: Centro Histórico, Condesa, Roma, Polanco, and Coyoacán. Where to stay in Mexico City? CLICK HERE to learn more about these neighborhoods.
While the official dates are November 1st and 2nd, festivities in Mexico City extend beyond these days. Here is a list of must-attend events happening in Mexico City in 2024.
Day of the Dead Events 2024 in Mexico City
1. Day of the Dead Parade
Every year, the exact date of the Day of the Dead Parade remains a mystery until the last moment because the government of Mexico City adjusts it to coincide with the nearest weekend. This relatively new tradition for Mexicans originated after the release of the film James Bond 007: Spectre, which featured a spectacular parade. Mexican authorities embraced this idea and turned it into a new tradition that has been ongoing since 2016.
The Day of the Dead Parade is an unique experience that immerses you in a world of floats, giant figures, dancers, and more, making it one of the main events to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico City.
Event Details:
- Date: November 2nd Information updated: October 22nd 2024
- Time: 14:00
- Starting Point: Chapultepec Park
- Ending Point: Mexico City’s Zócalo
- Price: Free Admission!
- This is the route of the Parade:
2. Mega Catrina Procession
The Mega Catrina Procession
Aims to preserve the traditions of the Day of the Dead, showcasing a stunning variety of Catrinas representing this festival in all its splendor. You can even have your face painted as a Catrina on Paseo de la Reforma before the parade!
If you wish to adorn your face with makeup, you’ll find the perfect opportunity on Paseo de la Reforma before the event. Many professional makeup artists gather there to offer their services. However, be aware that some of them can be incredibly talented, which may affect the price. It is recommended to inquire about fees before committing and arrive early, as demand is high. We want to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the exciting parade due to long lines.
The Origin of ‘La Catrina Mexicana’
La Catrina,’ that iconic Mexican symbol associated with the Day of the Dead, has a fascinating origin. It was created by the prolific Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada in the early 20th century.
Posada depicted a skull with an extravagant hat, symbolizing the pretentiousness of those who wanted to seem more than they were. This figure gained its distinctive name and attire thanks to the muralist Diego Rivera, who incorporated it into his work “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central.”
Event Details:
- Date: October 27th.
- Time: 18:30
- Location: Paseo de la Reforma Avenue
- Price: Free Admission!
3.Monumental Alebrijes Parade
Alebrijes are essentially imaginative representations of animals that blend characteristics from different species. An astounding example would be envisioning a turtle adorned with elegant wings.
The history of alebrijes takes us back to the 1930s, in the heart of Mexico City. At that time, Pedro Linares, a talented artist, fell seriously ill. During his convalescence, he experienced vivid hallucinations in which extraordinary beings filled with vibrant colors uttered the word “alebrijes.” Fortunately, Pedro recovered from his illness and, as a papier-mâché virtuoso, brought to life the creatures he had seen in his visions.
While not directly related to the Day of the Dead, the Monumental Alebrijes Parade is a one-of-a-kind Mexican extravaganza that captivates with its magical and vibrant displays. For us as Mexicans, it holds a special place in our hearts, as it showcases the country’s rich artistic heritage and creativity.
In fact, despite not being inherently linked to the Day of the Dead, many people believe that the mysticism of alebrijes connects them to this revered Mexican tradition. These fantastical creatures, with their intricate designs and vivid colors, add an enchanting touch to the cultural tapestry of Mexico’s beloved festivities.
Event Details:
- Date: October 19th: the parade. Alebrijes exhibition: from October 19th to November 5th.
• Time: 12:00
• Starting Point: Zócalo of Mexico City
• Ending Point: Paseo de la Reforma
• Price: Free Admission!
4. Offering at the San Andrés Mixquic Cemetery: An Unmissable Experience
The Day of the Dead in San Andrés Mixquic, Tláhuac, Mexico City, is famous for its ‘Alumbrada’. Every year, hundreds of people gather at the cemetery to honor their loved ones with offerings and candles. Starting on October 31st, they call out the names of deceased children to guide their spirits with marigold petals and candles. On the night of November 1st, families decorate the graves with flowers and candles, illuminating the cemetery in an emotional event.
During the first days of November, Mixquic transforms into a giant altar. The streets are filled with colorful flowers like marigold, baby’s breath, and wallflower; sawdust carpets; offerings with fruits, bread, various dishes, candles; and the aroma of copal and flowers.
The festivities begin on October 31st with the preparation of the altar. On November 1st, the bells ring at noon to announce the arrival of the souls. On November 2nd, the “alumbrada” is held in the cemetery, honoring the dead. At 7:00 PM, people decorate the graves with flowers and light candles, illuminating the cemetery to guide the spirits.
Outside the cemetery, the celebration includes music, dancing, and street food, attracting tourists from around the world. It is essential to respect the sacred nature of this tradition.
The Day of the Dead in San Andrés Mixquic is a deeply moving and culturally rich experience that honors the memory of loved ones and brings the community together in a celebration of life and death.
5. Mega Ofrenda Zócalo CDMX: Celebrating Tradition Annually
Every year, Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead with the Mega Ofrenda at the Zócalo in Mexico City, a tradition deeply rooted in the country’s heart. This impressive offering, held in the second largest square in the world, is a spectacle overflowing with culture, color, and life.
The Mega Ofrenda is a free activity that invites everyone, locals and visitors alike, to participate in this significant festivity. It’s a moment to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, an opportunity to celebrate life and the memory of those who are no longer physically with us.
The elements of the offering hold profound meaning in Mexican culture. Photographs of the deceased serve as a guide for their spirits to visit their families. Candles light the way for the dead to the world of the living. Sugar skulls are poetic reminders of death’s constant presence. Marigold flowers welcome the departed with their bright orange color. Papel picado adds an ornamental and festive touch. And the deceased’s favorite food and drink are a way to welcome them with love and respect.
While the theme of the offering varies from year to year, the government always announces the exact date weeks in advance. It is expected to take place during the last week of October and on November 1st and 2nd, the official days of celebration in Mexico. Stay tuned for more details on this unforgettable experience that pays tribute to our ancestors and celebrates life amidst death.
Don’t miss it!
Event Details:
- Date: To be confirmed
• Time: To be confirmed
• Location Zócalo of Mexico City
• Price: Free Admission!
6. 'La Llorona' in Xochimilco: A Unique Experience
The ‘La Llorona’ show is presented at the Tllilac Lagoon, within the Cuemanco Pier. With over 700 performances, it envelops the audience in a mystical and majestic world, offering a journey into the past through the canals.
This spectacle takes place during October and November, coinciding with the celebration of the Day of the Dead, turning the location into a magical site within Mexico City. It’s an experience we definitely recommend if you’re in Mexico City, as it’s unique. You’ll learn about this pre-Hispanic legend that resides in Xochimilco and also about the Mexican perspective on death.
Furthermore, you won’t be seated in a theater seat, but in a trajinera! These small wooden boats are super colorful. The duration is approximately an hour and a half, but it’s worth it. We recommend bringing something for the cold, as you’ll be on the boat the entire time. Try not to drink too much water before or go to the bathroom before starting (we know why we’re telling you this, there are bathrooms, but they’re quite peculiar, ha ha!) and perhaps some mosquito repellent, as they’re not dangerous, but you won’t want to spend the performance scratching, as it’s open-air on the boat.
By the way, it doesn’t matter if you don’t speak Spanish! In recent years, the play has subtitles at the top of the stage. Definitely, it’s worth experiencing this unique adventure!
Tickets on Ticket Master: https://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/la-llorona-boletos/artist/1238272
What else to do in Mexico City?
Roma Norte / Condesa / Chapultepec Park
5 hours / 🚲 / All-Inclusive
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