Day of the Dead Festival

Oaxaca, Mexico

31 October – 02 November 2024

Heritage

About Event

Oaxaca's Day of the Dead is a deeply rooted and visually striking event that beckons travellers to partake in its rich cultural tapestry. This annual celebration is a heartfelt homage to those who have passed, adorned with intricately crafted altars, marigold-strewn streets, and lively processions. Locals and visitors alike come together to honour their ancestors, creating a dynamic atmosphere filled with music, art, and the aromatic scents of traditional foods. This unique event is a testament to Oaxaca's enduring connection to its indigenous heritage, inviting everyone to join in the joyful remembrance of loved ones.

Elaborate and artistic altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and photographs, creating a kaleidoscope of colours
Comparsas, lively parades featuring costumed dancers, musicians, and families carrying offerings
Giant paper mache puppets, known as "alebrijes," representing spirits and mythical creatures
Candlelit vigils in cemeteries, where families gather to share stories and celebrate the lives of the departed
Nightly concerts and performances showcasing traditional Oaxacan music and dance

What's Included

Guided tours to witness the creation of intricate altars by local artisans
Participation in a comparsa, joining the lively processions through the streets
Access to candlelit cemetery vigils with insights from local guides
Tickets to nightly concerts featuring authentic Oaxacan music and dance

Upgrades Available

Upgrade to VIP access
Additional nights' accommodation
Exclusive event merchandise

Not Included

Flights are not included
Meals not specified in the package
Personal expenses

Food & Drink

Savour the unique flavours of Oaxaca during the Day of the Dead festivities. Indulge in traditional foods like tamales, filled with savoury meats or sweet ingredients, and pan de muerto, a sweet bread shaped like skulls and bones. Delight in the richness of mole negro, a complex sauce made with chocolate and spices, or sample chapulines, crunchy grasshoppers seasoned with lime and chili. Wash down these culinary delights with refreshing mezcal, Oaxaca's renowned agave-based spirit. Join in the culinary journey that defines the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.

Exploring Oaxaca extends beyond the lively festivities of the Day of the Dead. Wander through the historic city centre to marvel at colonial architecture and visit the vibrant Benito Juárez Market. Delight in the savoury delights of Oaxacan cuisine, from tlayudas (large tortillas with various toppings) to mole, a rich and flavorful sauce. Explore the Mitla archaeological site, known for its intricate stone mosaics, or venture into the picturesque Hierve el Agua, natural rock formations resembling petrified waterfalls. Oaxaca promises a cultural and culinary adventure, complementing the vibrant energy of the Day of the Dead celebrations.