The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico
Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca is one of the most unforgettable celebrations you can experience in Mexico. Every year, the city comes alive with parades, candlelit cemeteries, colorful altars, and vibrant street festivals that honor loved ones who have passed.
Also known as the "Day of the Dead", this is one of the most incredible bucket-list experiences in the world. While it can be celebrated in various places throughout the country, Oaxaca is loved by both Mexicans and tourists alike during this time, and is our personal recommendation for a truly special and authentic event.
Whether you’re wandering through candlelit cemeteries, tasting pan de muerto and hot chocolate, or joining locals in lively comparsas (street parades), celebrating Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca offers an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and in this guide, we're going to share everything you need to know for experiencing it yourself.
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Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca: A Brief Intro to Mexico's Day of the Dead
If you’re looking for one of the most authentic and vibrant cultural experiences in Mexico, then you’ll definitely want to plan a trip for Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca.
In this guide we're going to share everything you need to know. But first, let's learn a bit about what Dia de Los Muertos is, when it's celebrated, and what you can expect during the celebrations.
What is Dia de Los Muertos?
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition celebrated throughout Mexico, but it holds a particularly special place in Oaxaca.
Far from being a somber holiday, it is a time to honor deceased loved ones through vibrant altars, offerings, music, and dance. Families set up ofrendas decorated with marigolds, candles, and favorite foods of the departed, inviting their spirits back for a joyful reunion.
In Oaxaca, the holiday blends indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec rituals with Catholic traditions, creating a unique cultural fusion that you can truly feel as you walk through the city during the festivities. It's like Halloween on steroids, and truly one of the coolest festivities to add to your bucket list!
When to Visit Oaxaca for Dia de Los Muertos
While the Day of the Dead is November 1st, celebrations actually start much earlier!
The biggest celebrations of Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca take place from October 31st to November 2nd, but the energy and festivities extend both before and after these dates.
If you want to experience everything, plan to arrive a few days early so you don’t miss the parades, cemetery visits, and art installations that begin around October 26th. Decorations still stay up a few days after as well, and some activities are going on until the 3rd.
If you're able to, we'd recommend spending a full week in Oaxaca - this way you can enjoy all of the different events during Dia de los Muertos, while also exploring the best things to do Oaxaca, and some nearby attractions like Hierve el Agua, Mitla, and the Tree of Tule.
Don't miss out on some of the other highlights in and around Oaxaca!
How Does Oaxaca Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos?
The celebrations in Oaxaca are lively, colorful, and full of symbolism. The streets fill with comparsas (parades) featuring live bands, dancers, and people dressed in elaborate skeleton costumes and painted faces. Locals and visitors alike join in, turning the entire city into one big celebration of life and death.
Cemeteries are another focal point of the holiday. Families gather at night, decorating graves with flowers and candles, while sharing food, mezcal, and music with their loved ones.
You’ll also find colorful tapestries, public altars, and street art throughout the city, bringing the entire city to life. Hotels, restaurants, and storefronts decorate both their interiors and exteriors with vibrant displays full of candles and flowers, particularly the iconic cempesuchi (marigolds).
From special markets and street vendors to live music and recitals, there are SO many incredible things to look forward to during Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca - and we'll cover it all in this complete Day of the Dead guide!
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How to Get to Oaxaca, Mexico
Now that you know a bit about the celebration of Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca, let's get you to Oaxaca in the most ideal way.
What is the Easiest Way to Get to Oaxaca?
The easiest way to get to Oaxaca is by flying to Oaxaca's Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX), which is situated just 10 km south of the city center.
As Dia de los Muertos is a popular time in Mexico, do keep in mind that flights may be pricier. Alternatively, you can fly into other bigger airports with more affordable flights, rent a car, and do a little road trip to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead, or you can use ADO buses.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Mexico". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for flying.
Search for a flight to Mexico for Dia de Los Muertos:
Our Recommendation
The entire month of October is magical in Mexico! You'll find decorations up for weeks before Dia de Los Muertos, and beautiful fields of cempesuchil flowers (marigolds).
We'd recommend flying into Mexico City (typically one of the most affordable cities to fly into - especially if you're coming from other continents). Then you can spend a couple of days driving down to Mexico City.
Puebla makes an excellent place to stop along the way, particularly the town of Cholula, as it has a stunning yellow church set amongst vibrant flower fields.
Where to Stay for Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca
Because Oaxaca gets incredibly busy during Día de los Muertos, it’s essential to book your accommodation in advance - we'd recommend a few months out!
Boutique hotels and guesthouses are popular choices, while budget travelers can find hostels that offer social experiences during the festival. For a more immersive stay, some local families open their homes as guest accommodations, giving visitors the chance to connect directly with the community.
Important Info About Booking Accommodation During Dia de Los Muertos
Something you should definitely be aware of, are that there can be scams, which unfortunately we fell victim to when we went. We booked a property on VRBO and when we arrived to the property the owner told us that she had guests, and was only listed on Airbnb, but confirmed the pictures of the property were in fact hers and must've been stolen.
We spent the morning of the Day of the Dead having to frantically look for other accommodation, and luckily found an incredible guest house 15 minutes outside of the city. Make sure to do your due diligence when booking!
Where to Stay in Oaxaca for Dia de Los Muertos
Staying in the historic center is the most convenient option while visiting for the Day of the Dead since parades, markets, and festivities take place right in the heart of the city.
The absolute heart of the activities is near the Zocalo, so as close as you can stay to there, the more convenient everything will be.
If you're looking for a quieter experience, and don't mind walking a bit, we recommend Jalatlaco, a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that is particularly popular for photographers. It's full of vibrant murals, cute cafes, and plenty of festive streets to explore during the day.
Jalatlaco is a great place for a quieter stay during Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico.
How to Prepare for Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca
Now that you know how to get to Oaxaca and where to stay, let's get you ready to pack for an amazing trip!
What to Wear for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Part of the fun of celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca is dressing up. Many people paint their faces as calaveras (sugar skulls) or wear skeleton costumes to join the parades. Some people go all out, with custom dresses, and others will put fun costumes on like piñatas or scary halloween-like options.
You don’t need a full costume, but wearing something festive, such as floral crowns or face paint, will help you blend into the celebrations. The most important thing is to be comfortable. Since you’ll likely be walking, dancing, and spending long hours outside, you should wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
When it comes to accessories, you actually won't need to plan too much! This is because makeup, flower crowns, and jewelry are sold all over, and purchasing local handmade accessories is fun and a great way to support the people of Oaxaca, especially the women!
What to Pack for Dia de los Muertos
Here is a basic packing list of things you'll want to have while experiencing Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca:
- Comfortable shoes for walking around
- Sweater or light jacket for the evenings
- Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
- Sunscreen
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Wide Lens for inside the buildings and to capture wide murals, parades, or decor (we use Sony GM 14mm 1.8).
- Drone for cool shots of the city from above (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Cash for the tips and street vendors
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
- Bathing suit for doing a day trip to Hierve el Agua or for your hotel if it has a pool or spa.
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Experiencing Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca: Things to Do & See
You're all ready to travel to Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead! There is so much to do and see during this time, so now we're going to share some of the musts while in town.
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Parades and Comparsas
The streets of Oaxaca burst with energy during the comparsas, which are lively parades filled with music, dancers, and towering papier-mâché puppets known as mojigangas. These processions begin in the days leading up to November 2nd and can continue late into the night, weaving through the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.
The largest parades typically take place near the Zócalo and the Santo Domingo Church, but smaller and more intimate ones happen in nearby villages, giving visitors a chance to experience a less touristy side of the celebration.
Ofrendas and Altars
The heart of Dia de los Muertos lies in the ofrendas, or altars, that families lovingly create to honor those who have passed. In Oaxaca, these altars appear everywhere, from private homes to plazas, cultural centers, and even hotels.
They are decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and offerings of food and drink, all meant to welcome the spirits back to the world of the living.
Walking through the city, you will see both traditional and highly creative displays, and some neighborhoods even organize altar competitions, showcasing elaborate designs that reflect the artistry and devotion of the community. One of the most popular ones is at the State of Oaxaca Government building from 9 am to 9 pm.
Markets and Artisan Stalls
The markets of Oaxaca are always lively, but during Dia de los Muertos they become even more colorful and bustling.
Mercado de Abastos and Mercado 20 de Noviembre overflow with seasonal foods, handmade crafts, and holiday decorations. Here you will find sugar skulls, traditional bread known as pan de muerto, and strings of papel picado fluttering in every corner.
While there are excellent markets for food, our favorite markets were the ones with local crafts. These are perfect for getting handmade jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. Our two favorites were at Arte de Oaxaca and the one that stretched several streets along the avenue near Zocalo.
There are some incredible markets during Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca!
Music and Performances
Music fills the streets of Oaxaca during Dia de los Muertos, creating an energy that carries through every corner of the city. Brass bands often accompany parades and processions, while street performers gather in plazas to keep the celebrations going late into the night.
Cultural centers and theaters also host special performances, ranging from traditional dances to concerts inspired by Day of the Dead traditions, and big stages are set up outside the main cathedral of el Zocolo.
Whether you are wandering through the historic center or attending a scheduled show, music is an essential part of the experience during the Day of the Dead.
Cemeteries During Dia de los Muertos
Visiting the cemeteries during Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca is one of the most special experiences. The night of Halloween (October 31st) is the biggest night, which is when locals visit their deceased loved ones. The cemeteries come to life, and families will sing, eat, and drink the night away next to the grave stones.
The night of the second there were also light shows at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm. We just missed them since it's easy to get lost inside, so make sure to go with time (and to confirm the times since it may differ each year).
Carnivals
If you're visiting Oaxaca for Dia de Los Muertos with kids, then you're in luck! There are lots of carnivals and fairs, full of rides, street food, and games. This one that we visited was just outside Panteon de San Miguel.
Fire Ceremonies
On the night of Dia de los Muertos do not miss out on the celebrations at San Jose el Mogote! There are parades and street parties along with fire shows and fireworks for a truly spectacular show. It's located outside the center of Oaxaca, but definitely worth the journey for a more local experience!
Workshops and Cultural Activities
For those who want a deeper connection to the traditions, Oaxaca offers plenty of cultural activities and workshops during this time.
Many visitors join classes where they can learn to make sugar skulls, cut papel picado, or paint their faces in the classic calavera style. Cooking classes often highlight seasonal dishes such as mole negro and pan de muerto, giving travelers a literal taste of the holiday.
Guided tours are also available, taking visitors to cemeteries, parades, and community events that might otherwise be overlooked. Many activities are free, and each neighborhood also has their own activities going on, so keep your eyes our for the flyers everywhere!
*Keep in mind these flyers are from Dia de Los Muertos in 2024.
Experiencing Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca: Getting Around
During Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca, the city center is the heart of the action. Most events take place within walking distance, and the streets are often closed to traffic during parades, making walking the easiest way to get around.
Taxis and ride-shares like Didi are available if you’re staying farther out, though expect some delays due to road closures and crowds. Public buses run as usual but may be crowded during the holiday.
If you want the freedom to explore outside Oaxaca City before or after the festivities, renting a car can be useful, but within the city itself it’s best to stick to walking.
Many streets in Oaxaca during Dia de los Muertos are blocked off to vehicles.
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Food & Drink During Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is already famous for its cuisine, and Day of the Dead takes food traditions to another level. You’ll find pan de muerto, a sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped dough, sold in bakeries and markets across the city. Tamales, mole, and hot chocolate are also staples during the holiday.
Pan de Muerto is a must-try during Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca!
Don’t miss trying mezcal, Oaxaca’s signature spirit, which is often shared in cemeteries as families toast to their loved ones.
Street food vendors are set up everywhere from locations around cemeteries to plazas and streets throughout the historic center. You'll find everything from tacos and roasted corn to micheladas and raspas, so you’ll have plenty of chances to eat like a local while soaking in the celebrations.
Restaurants tend to fill up quickly, so if there is a particular eatery you're interested we'd recommend making a reservation in advance. However, one of the best parts of celebrating Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca is enjoying all of the street food!
Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca: Safety & Etiquette
Now that you know what to expect during Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca, let's quickly cover some ways to stay safe and respectful during this special time.
Is it Safe to Go to Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca?
Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca is considered very safe for travelers. The city welcomes thousands of visitors each year, and the atmosphere is one of joy and community.
Petty theft like pickpocketing can happen in crowded parades, so you will still want to keep an eye on your belongings. Serious crime is rare though, and you won't have to worry about the stereotypical concerns about safety in Mexico.
Cemeteries, though busy, are peaceful and family-oriented, and visitors are generally welcomed as long as they behave respectfully. Traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, you’ll find the city to be friendly and accommodating to all travelers.
Dia de los Muertos is very cro3wded, so just make sure to keep an eye on your belongings.
What Not to Do During Day of the Dead
While it’s tempting to treat the holiday as a giant party, it’s important to remember that Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is first and foremost a sacred tradition. Avoid being disruptive in cemeteries, and please don’t touch altars, step on graves, or take intrusive photos without permission.
It’s also best not to wear overly revealing or disrespectful clothing when visiting cemeteries. If you decide to wear face paint or costumes, join the parades and festivities in the streets rather than at the gravesites, where families gather to honor their loved ones in a more intimate way.
By following these guidelines, you’ll not only have an unforgettable experience but also show respect for one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions.
Tips & FAQ for Experiencing Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico
You now have almost all of the info you need for experiencing the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico! But don't go just yet - in case you missed anything, we have some final tips, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Tips for Going to Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico
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Is it Worth Going to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead?
We have a passion for experiencing unique holidays and festivals around the world, and Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca may just be our favorite one!
With stunning visuals, cultural significance, delicious food, and family-friendly celebrations, it's one of the most special experiences, no matter what kind of traveler you are.
We'd highly recommend adding Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca to your bucket list - we know you won't regret it!
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