The essential activities to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico

Mexico is one of the most interesting tourist destinations. It's so thanks to its Mayan ruins, its idyllic beaches, and its all-inclusive options in areas like the Riviera Maya . However, its traditions are also fascinating, and the Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most surprising.

The country embraces this veneration of its ancestors, which has, in fact, been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Unlike what we're used to, in Mexico the traditions of this holiday are full of joy, color, and symbolism. If you're lucky enough to be in the country on November 1st and 2nd, there are essential activities to learn more about this fascinating celebration.

Day of the Dead in Xochimilco

This Mexico City neighborhood is one of the most iconic for its canals and trajineras (boats). For the occasion, they are decorated with Day of the Dead decorations. The Day of the Dead Tour of Xochimilco and the Anahuacalli Museum takes us there, including a barge ride. For two hours, you can learn about the most fascinating legends of this celebration, as well as taste typical products: tamales, chocolate, and pan de muerto (bread of the dead).

The visit also includes the Anahuacalli Museum, dedicated to the work of Diego Rivera, which, for the occasion, features offerings on its Day of the Dead altar with spectacular displays. This activity is only available from October 30th to November 2nd.

Day of the Dead ceremony in a cenote

Cenotes are another of Mexico's defining characteristics and are also the setting for its traditions and offerings. To experience them firsthand, Civitatis offers, for three days only, the chance to attend a Day of the Dead ceremony in a cenote.

The activity takes us to the San Bernardino de Siena convent, one of the oldest colonial complexes in Yucatán. The excursion continues to a Mayan village where the Day of the Dead celebration takes place, where we discover the art of body painting and enjoy a tequila tasting. The ceremony concludes with a buffet of tacos and other Mayan delicacies after 10 hours of celebration.

Day of the Dead at the Pantheon of Our Lady of Guadalupe

If you prefer a lighter activity, the Day of the Dead activity at the Pantheon of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the best option. In just one hour, you'll learn about Mexican funerary art , along with their offerings, which are the hallmarks of this holiday. You'll learn about its pre-Hispanic origins, its gifts (bread of the dead, water, salt, and skulls), and delve deeper into Mexican philosophy regarding death.

Day of the Dead Night Tours

Throughout Mexico, this Day of the Dead is celebrated with various activities, and night tours are a perfect option to delve deeper into the history of this World Heritage celebration. In Oaxaca, this four-hour tour covers some of the most interesting sites, such as the Santo Domingo de Gumán Temple (decorated for the occasion); the General Pantheon; the narrow streets of the Jalatlaco neighborhood filled with elaborate altars... The activity includes a dinner of traditional dishes.

Huatulco is another location offering this night tour , where you'll explore its streets and traditional houses, enjoying local cuisine. You can also enjoy it in San Miguel de Allende , a two-hour activity.

Circuits through Mexico

In addition to the proposed activities, there are tours around Mexico that introduce us to this culture and its celebrations. Although they're not just designed for the Day of the Dead, these Evaneos tours are the perfect excuse to discover them.