When: October 31 to November 2, every year. Fixed dates.
Tickets: Free + ticketed events — Most of it is free and public — the Mexico City government's Día de Muertos parade (Desfile de Día de Muertos), the street altars, the markets and the candlelit cemetery vigils cost nothing. For the ticketed pieces — concerts, comparsa parties, and guided cemetery or Oaxaca experiences — buy through official platforms like Ticketmaster Mexico or Boletía, or book directly with a licensed local tour operator. Confirm the current year's programme with the official Mexico City (CDMX) and Oaxaca state tourism sites, and avoid unofficial resellers.
What it is
Families welcome back their dead with marigold-strewn altars (ofrendas), candlelit cemetery vigils, food and music. Oaxaca is the atmospheric heartland; Mexico City stages a huge parade.
How to get started
- Choose your base: Oaxaca for the intimate, traditional version, or Mexico City for the big parade and altars.
- Book accommodation early — these are among the busiest travel days in Mexico.
- Come as a respectful guest: watch the cemetery vigils quietly, ask before photographing families.
Tickets & where to buy
Most of it is free and public — the Mexico City government's Día de Muertos parade (Desfile de Día de Muertos), the street altars, the markets and the candlelit cemetery vigils cost nothing. For the ticketed pieces — concerts, comparsa parties, and guided cemetery or Oaxaca experiences — buy through official platforms like Ticketmaster Mexico or Boletía, or book directly with a licensed local tour operator. Confirm the current year's programme with the official Mexico City (CDMX) and Oaxaca state tourism sites, and avoid unofficial resellers.
- Where to stay
- Oaxaca and Mexico City book out months ahead for these dates — reserve early.
- First-timer tips
- It's a solemn, joyful family occasion, not Halloween. Learn the customs, support local altars and vendors, and tread lightly.
- Watch out
- Be a considerate visitor at cemeteries; this is a private moment families are generously sharing.
Several of these festivals are tied to Easter or a lunar calendar, so the exact dates shift each year. Confirm the current year's dates and ticket on-sale times from the official source before you book flights.