Why the Mexico City Day of the Dead Celebration is Even Cooler Than You Think
In this article, I’ll show you how, where, and when to see the Mexico City Dia de los Muertos Parade and give you all my best tips for having an amazing time on the Day of the Dead in Mexico City.
In short, you’re about to discover everything you need about the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade, and more.
Ready to learn about all things Day of the Dead in Mexico City? 🌺💀🌺 Let’s get to it!
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Is there a Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City?
Yes — It takes place on November 4, 2023, and is held in honor of the Day of the Dead holiday.
This massive CDMX Day of the Dead parade draws millions of spectators each year to Mexico City’s downtown area.
The Mexico City Day of the Dead 2022 Parade is said to have brought in 1 million to 3 million spectators and visitors to see the unique floats, dancers, musicians, and performers in traditional garb and painted faces.
It is a family-friendly affair but also fun for adults. The entire reason this parade came about is pretty fun — as you’ll see in the James Bond Day of the Dead parade section below.
What day is the Mexico City Day of the Dead parade?
According to the Mexico City Day of the Dead website that’s run by the local government, the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade 2023 will take place Saturday, November 4, 2023.
If you won’t be in Mexico City on November 4 for this Gran Desfile de Día de Muertos (Main Mexico City Parade for Day of the Dead), there are other smaller parades that you’ll still enjoy, like these:
- Mexico City Alebrijes Parade: Saturday, October 21, 12pm
- Mexico City Parade of Las Catrinas: Sunday, October 22, 5:30pm
- Day of the Dead CDMX Bike Ride at Night: Sunday, October 29, 7:30pm
- Day of the Dead in Mexico City Parade for Pets: I am still looking for official info on this one, but it is an annual event.
Even if you don’t attend any parade in Mexico City for Day of the Dead, there are still A LOT of events, festive decorations and altars up all over town, marigold flowers, local cemeteries and more to enjoy — so keep reading!
What time does the Mexico City Day of the Dead parade start?
TBD — According to the Mexico City Day of the Dead events website that’s run by the local government, the start time has not been announced yet (but I will update this site when it is).
The wording on their site says: “An exact time is to be announced, but past parades have started at about noon.”
I’ve also seen unofficial Mexico City Day of the Dead websites that say the parade starts at 5 p.m., so this might be a “wait and see” situation.
🥁 CDMX Day of the Dead Parade Tip: To be safe, if you’re visiting Mexico City for Day of the Dead specifically, keep your entire day free on November 4th so you don’t miss the parade.
To be near the start of the parade, head to any open area near the Bosque de Chapultepec Park Puerta de Leones (Lion’s Door Entrance), which is located on Reforma Avenue close to the Estela de Luz sculpture.
What’s the Mexico City Day of the Dead parade route?
The parade route begins at the Chapultepec Park Puerta de los Leones, and continues northwest along Paseo de Reforma Avenue. Once it reaches Avenida Hidalgo, it heads northeast towards the Zocalo in Downtown Mexico City.
The parade ends in the CDMX Zocalo (Town Square), at Calle 5 de Mayo and Plaza de la Constitución.
Here, you’ll see a giant fireworks display, drone light show, and concert by a well-known Mexican singer (who is still TBA).
You can use the map above for reference, as it shows the entire Day of the Dead Mexico City parade route, or use this quick guide:
- Where does the Day of the Dead parade start in Mexico City? Bosque Chapultepec Park, at the Puerta de los Leones Entrance near Reforma Avenue.
- Where does the Day of the Dead in Mexico City end? Centro Historico (Downtown Mexico City) in the Zocalo (Main Square, also called Constitution Plaza).
What’s the best place to see the Mexico City Day of the Dead parade?
For the best views, snag a spot on Reforma Avenue — and if you arrive 2-3 hours early, you’ll have front-row seats to parade, and you’ll be able to get the best Mexico City Day of the Dead photos.
If you don’t mind giant crowds, you can wait till the parade ends in the Zocalo Downtown Mexico City.
If you’re here, you’ll get to see the parade, drone light show, fireworks and concert — but be forewarned, it will be hectic.
Personally, I’ll be on Reforma Ave., but another option might be one of the Downtown Mexico City rooftops.
📸 Best Mexico City Rooftops in Downtown
To escape the huge Downtown Mexico City crowds during Day of the Dead, check out these great rooftop bars, restaurants and cafes.
They offer a nice respite from the hectic streets, and nice views of Downtown CDMX.
1. El Balcon del Zocalo: Wondering about the best Mexico City Day of the Dead restaurants? A lot of places have decorations up and a special menu, but I recommend El Balcon del Zocalo for the food and views.
2. La Casa de las Sirenas: A beautiful rooftop restaurant and bar that overlooks the Zocalo. This historic building dates back to 1754, and the beautiful aesthetics are as gorgeous as its rooftop views.
3. Cafe Don Porfirio at Sears: Head to Sears department store and take the elevator to the 8th floor. Finca Don Porfirio Cafe has inexpensive food and drinks, and amazing views of Bellas Artes and a section of the parade route.
What’s the Mexico City Day of the Dead parade James Bond connection?
Here’s some fun Mexico City Day of the Dead history for you: There was never a Mexico City Dia de los Muertos parade until it was depicted in the James Bond film, Spectre.
Released in 2015, the film shows an epic Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade that people wanted to attend.
Thousands of people showed up the year after the film for the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade in 2016 — the problem was that it didn’t exist, but no one told the visitors that.
The Mexico City government started doing a parade by capitalizing on a lucrative tourism opportunity.
It grows bigger and better each year — and has become one of the best Day of the Dead symbols and traditions.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
How many people attend Day of the Dead in Mexico City?
More than 1 million — Exact numbers seem to vary between 1-3 million attendees, depending on the source.
According to Miguel Torruco Marques, Mexico Secretary of Tourism, about 2.1 million tourists attended the 2022 Mexico Day of the Dead celebrations in various cities, with the majority going to Mexico City for the events.
This Travel Pulse article, which quotes Marques, outlines the massive economic impact of Day of the Dead in Mexico City.
It says that the 2022 holiday brought in an estimated $45.5 million.
Do you need Mexico City Day of the Dead parade tickets?
No — The event is free for spectators, as this is famously one of the best free things to do in Mexico City!
5 Best Things to Do in Mexico City for Day of the Dead
There are A LOT of CDMX Day of the Dead events besides the parade — and in truth, no matter how many days you have on your Mexico City itinerary, you couldn’t possibly make it to all of them.
If you’re hoping to see the highlights and big events, check out the Mexico City Day of the Dead Events Schedule below, which features the 10 best Mexico City things to do during Day of the Dead.
🧟♀️ Looking for Halloween events in Mexico City? Don’t miss the Six Flags Mexico Festival of Terror, Mexico City Zombie Walk and Mexico City Scream Park.
1. Museo de Arte Popular Alebrije Parade: October 21
- 📆 WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2023, beginning at about 12pm
- 📍 WHERE: Downtown CDMX, Zocalo, Reforma Avenue
- 💸 COST: Free
This grand Day of the Dead Mexico City Parade centers around the alebrije (pronounced al-lay-bree-hay in singular, and the plural alebrijes is al-lay-bree-hays).
The Mexico City Alebrije Parade will begin in the Mexico City Zocalo (Main Square) in downtown, and make its way along Avenida 5 de Mayo Avenue, ending on Reforma Avenue near the golden Angel of Independence statue.
🤔 What are alebrijes?
Alebrijes are a type of chimera, or hybrid animal, which can be combined using any number of real animals (like lions) and imaginary creatures (like dragons).
Because of this, it’s said that no two are alike.
While they haven’t been part of Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations for very long, they’ve now a contemporary icon of the holiday.
One of the most beloved Mexican folk art styles, the first Mexican alebrijes were actually made in Mexico City.
Created by artist Pedro Linares, he made them out of paper mache, though copal wood is now a more common medium.
2. Mexico City Catrinas Parade: October 22
- 📆 WHEN: Sunday, October 22, 2023, beginning at about 6:30pm
- 📍 WHERE: Along Reforma Avenue
- 💸 COST: Free
- 💀 NOTE: Anyone can join in!
The Mega Procession de las Catrinas is an annual parade where thousands paint their faces like La Catrina or El Catrin (the male version of La Catrina), and parade through Reforma Mexico City.
In case you don’t know, the skeletal woman named La Calavera Catrina is the unofficial Day of the Dead icon.
During the holiday, people worldwide paint their faces to look like hers.
The parade route starts at the Angel of Independence statue on Reforma Avenue and follows it down the entire street.
Check out their Facebook event page or official website for more information on this event.
3. See the Best Mexico City Day of the Dead Altars
Ofrendas, which means altars, are one of the most important Dia de los Muertos symbols.
This Mexican holiday is about honoring departed souls, but also welcoming them back to Earth for just one day — and the altars help with that.
During Dia de los Muertos in Mexico City, you’ll see altars all over the city in museums, restaurants, shops, hotels, some street food stalls and even just altars on the streets in public spaces.
Here are the 3 best places to see Day of the Dead Altars in Mexico City:
1. Giant Ofrendas in Zocalo: October 27-November 4
In Mexico City, the largest display of Day of the Dead altars is in the Zocalo (Main Square) for the Historic Center Ofrendas and Floral Arrangements Festival.
Here in this bustling part of town, there are public altars galore, and each year the theme changes so the altar decorations will change.
To see them, head to the CDMX Zocalo located here.
2. Day of the Dead Altar at Frida Kahlo Museum: October 28-November 4
One of the best Mexico City museums, no CDMX trip is complete without La Casa Azul Frida Kahlo Museum.
During the Day of the Dead holiday, they build a giant, ornate ofrenda at Museo Frida Kahlo to honor the departed (including Frida).
As one of the top attractions in Mexico City, this small museum (located in Frida’s home) is crowded year-round — and it’s especially crowded to see this impressive Dia de los Muertos altar.
3. UNAM Mega Ofrenda: November 1-2
One of the largest CDMX altar events, the UNAM Mega Ofrenda is actually a contest.
Every year, students from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and other universities compete for “best ofrenda” bragging rights.
This year’s event will take place at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, or University Olympic Stadium.
The theme is “Women in the Sciences, Humanities and Arts,” and the altars will have displays related to it.
Besides the altars, take some time to check out the MUAC Contemporary Art Museum at UNAM Campus, and also the buildings on the campus.
The Central University City Campus of UNAM is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you need a few more suggestions, check out these Mexico City Day of the Dead ofrendas (altars):
- Museo Anahuacalli Ofrenda: October 28-November 4
- Jean Paul Gautier Mexico City Ofrenda
- Public Altars in Parque Alameda Central Park
4. Iluminando Almas Chapultepec Park Night Walk: October 28-November 2
- 📆 WHEN: October 28-November 2, from about 7pm-10pm
- 📍 WHERE: Chapultepec Park, near the Puerta de los Leones entrance
- 💸 COST: Free
Looking for things to do in Mexico City at night during Day of the Dead? Look no further!
The Iluminando Almas en Chapultepec (which means Illuminated Souls) is one of the best free nighttime events during the holiday.
Once you enter the park, illuminated by candles and fairy lights, your senses will be awakened by the smells of copal incense and marigold flowers — some of the characteristic folklore of this traditional Mexican celebration.
As you walk through Bosque de Chapultepec Park along the Illuminated Souls route, you’ll see floral arrangements, giant skulls and other large structures including ofrendas (altars), as themed music plays.
🏰 Mexico City Travel Tips: Besides the Day of Dead events at night, don’t miss Chapultepec Castle and the best museums in Chapultepec Park during the day, like the Mexico City Anthropology Museum.
5. Visit the Best Mexico City Day of the Dead Cemeteries
Though Day of the Dead is on November 2nd, many families begin decorating gravestones in the cemetery as early as October 31st.
For the most part, the gravesites inside the panteónes (cemeteries) should be decorated with marigold flowers, foods, candles, and even bottles of their favorite booze 🥂 by November 1st to receive the souls as they return Earth-side.
If you’ll be in Mexico City on November 1-2, save some space on your CDMX itinerary to see the cemeteries.
Here are some of the best Day of the Dead cemeteries in Mexico City, and near Mexico City:
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
1. Panteón Mixquic: The Cemetery from Coco
If you’re interested in visiting Mixquic for Day of the Dead, I recommend you take this Mexico City to Mixquic tour because it can be really hectic to get around and to get in and out of this small town on such a popular holiday.
While culture travelers will want to visit Mixquic for an authentic Day of the Dead experience, know that it can take 1.5-2 hours to get there from Downtown Mexico City.
The drive back can take even longer when the road gets congested.
Now, that’s not to say don’t go to Mixquic for Dia de Muertos — only that you need to have a solid plan and a rental car because public transport and cabs will be nonexistent to bring you back to Mexico City.
2. Panteón Civil de Dolores: Cemetery near Chapultepec Park
Centrally located near Chapultepec Park, Panteón de Dolores is the largest Mexico City cemetery, and an easy one to access during the holiday.
🪦 Day of the Dead Fun Facts: Many famous people are buried here, including former Mexican president Benito Juárez, Mexican actress Dolores del Rio, and Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros.
3. Panteón San José Iztacalco
Located just south La Roma Norte, La Condesa and Centro historico (three of the best Mexico City neighborhoods for Day of the Dead visitors), head to the Panteón San José for a low-key, but authentic experience.
If you need a few more suggestions, check out these Mexico City Day of the Dead cemeteries:
- Panteón de San Fernando (Cuauhtémoc)
- Cementerio Xilotepec (Xochimilco)
- Panteón Santorum (Miguel Hidalgo)
- Panteón Francés Francis Pantheon (Cuauhtémoc)
- Panteón San Isidro (Azcapotzalco)
- Panteón El Calvario (Cuajimalpa)
- Panteón Jardín (Álvaro Obregón)
💀 How to Visit Mexico Cemeteries Respectfully
Cemeteries are among the most photogenic symbols of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, and you’ve probably seen them in IG photos, YouTube videos, and TikToks.
⚠️ Note: Not every family is OK with photos. As a best practice, always ask permission before you take any photo that has a person in it, and avoid having any children in your Day of Dead images.
During Día de Muertos in Mexico, family members will gather in the cemetery at the grave of their loved one to clean and decorate it.
They want the space nice, tidy and welcoming for when their loved one returns.
As Day of the Dead in Mexico continues to gain worldwide popularity, families seem to be increasingly accustomed to tourists (both national and international).
Still, you’ll want to maintain your distance in any local cemetery and be respectful.
After all, this is an intimate family tradition with deep-rooted indigenous cultural traditions—not simply the Mexican version of Halloween.
Final Thoughts: Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade
We’ve reached the end! I hope this blog post was the Ultimate Guide to the Mexico City Día de Muertos parade you hoped it would be.
📆 In case you missed the answer to the What day is the Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City? The parade takes place Saturday, November 4, 2023.
I know you’re going to have an amazing time on your trip because Mexico Day of the Dead, in a word, is magical.
The Day of the Dead parade Mexico City 2023 and festivities look like the version of Mexico many people imagine Mexico to be — vibrant, colorful and full of tradition.
Beyond the parade itself, this city has it all: rich history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, artisan communities — and of course, some of the best tacos on Earth!
Mix all that with one of the most fun, beautiful, lively, cultural festivals on the planet, and you can’t go wrong with a Mexico City trip to Dia de Muertos.