Your Ultimate Guide to the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade in 2025
Want to attend the day of the dead mexico city parade?
You’ve landed on the right article to learn how to see the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade.
Since I’ll be attending the parade myself, I’ve done all the homework for you (and me) in making this Ultimate Guide!
In this article, I’m going to show you how, where and when to see the Mexico City Dia de los Muertos Parade, as well as all my best Mexico City Day of the Dead tips — so that you can have an amazing time.
You’ll also find out about the best Dia de Muertos Mexico City events and best things to do in Mexico City for Day of the Dead (besides the parade, of course).
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!
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 to Mexico City’s downtown area each year.
In fact, 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.
Actually, 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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
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!
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
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 12 noon.”
I’ve also seen unofficial Mexico City Day of the Dead websites that say the parade starts at 5pm, so this might be a “wait and see” thing.
🥁 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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
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 & 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).
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
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: The parade was essentially invented in the James Bond film, Spectre.
That’s right; there was actually never a “real” Mexico City Dia de los Muertos parade until it was depicted in Spectre.
Released in 2015, the film shows a Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade so epic that people wanted to attend it.
Thousands and 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.
Capitalizing on a lucrative tourism opportunity, the Mexico City government decided to actually start doing a parade, and now it grows bigger and better each year.
Today, it has become one of the best Day of the Dead symbols and traditions.
If you were wondering, Why does Mexico City have a Day of the Dead parade? You now know the unconventional reason why.
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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
10 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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
1. Best Mexico City Day of the Dead Tours
If you don’t already have your Day of the Dead tours in Mexico City booked — please do that right now!
Trust me when I saw that EVERYTHING will be sold out by about mid-October, if not sooner.
If you’re still hoping to book some CDMX tours for Dia de los Muertos with a local tour guide, here are a few options.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
2. 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.
⚠️ Can’t make it to the parade?
You can still see the gigantic and fantastical alebrije sculptures as a public art display along Reforma Avenue after the parade.
They’re usually on display the day after the parade so be on the lookout from about October 22 to November 5.
The alebrije will be on Avenida Reforma, between the Angel of Independence statue and Diana the Huntress 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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
3. 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 all over the world paint their faces to look like hers.
The parade route starts at the Angel of Independence statue on Reforma Avenue, and makes its way down this entire street.
For more information on this event, check out their Facebook event page or official website.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
4. Day of the Dead Photo Session in Xochimilco
For the ultimate Mexico City souvenirs from your holiday experience, professional photos taken at this Day of the Dead photoshoot in Xochimilco make for quite the keepsake.
During this one in a lifetime experience, you’ll become the model as you transform into the most beloved Day of the Dead icons, La Catrina and El Catrín.
After getting your makeup done by a master make-up artist, professional photographer Rogelio will give you direction on how to pose to get the best Day of the Dead photos, which you can share on your socials and print out.
A 5-Star experience, people who have done this raved about the quality from start to finish.
According to William’s review, “This experience was truly one of a kind! Everything was amazing… The end result and pictures are really stunning.”
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
5. Lucha Libre Day of the Dead Wrestling Match
- 📆 WHEN: There are Mexico City lucha libre matches for Day of the Dead between about October 27-November 2, and regular matches year-round
- 📍 WHERE: Arena Mexico
- 💸 COST: Ticket prices vary
One of the best things to do in CDMX all year-long, the Day of the Dead lucha libre matches in Mexico City take this popular event to the next level!
Lucha libre matches at Arena Mexico, the “Cathedral of Lucha Libre in CDMX,” take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and start times vary by day.
👨👩👧👦 Note: The Sunday shows are family-friendly).
If you want to see one of these CDMX lucha libre matches with a Day of the Dead theme, keep reading to see how to get your tickets.
🦹♀️ Best Mexico City Lucha Libre Tours
The easiest way to go see a Mexico City lucha libre show is on a tour. To be frank, Arena Mexico isn’t located in the best area so it’s considered safer to be with a local. Here are the top-rated tours:
🦹♀️ Can you go to Lucha Libre on your own?
Yes, you can — but do exercise caution in the Doctores neighborhood, where the Mexico City lucha libre arena is.
You can buy your tickets online through Ticketmaster, or at the box office.
Note that the good seats go fast, so if you want to close or ringside seats, buy your tickets a week in advance, or opt for this Ringside Tickets Guaranteed Tour.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
6. 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.
🖼️ How to visit Frida Kahlo Mexico City Museum
I recommend buying tickets to Frida Kahlo Museum in advance if you want to see it.
Actually, no matter when you visit you should do this because otherwise, you’ll be waiting in a long line and you might not get in at all.
If you prefer to go with a tour, this Frida Kahlo Museum Skip the Line Tour is a top-rated option that also includes a bike tour around the Coyoacan neighborhood (where the museum is located) and churros to eat.
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
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
7. 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, which is 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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
8. Coyoacan Day of the Dead Festival: October 28-November 2
- 📆 WHEN: October 28-November 2
- 📍 WHERE: Coyoacan, in and around Jardín Centenario
- 💸 COST: The majority of events are free
If you’re planning on seeing the large, ornate ofrenda at Museo Frida Kahlo (Mexico City Frida Kahlo Museum), save some space on your itinerary for Mexico City to enjoy the Coyoacan neighborhood a while longer.
Coyoacan Mexico City is the oldest neighborhood in the city, and one of the most charming.
Located about 35 minutes south of downtown Mexico City by car, Coyoacan has a carnival atmosphere year-round, and especially during Día de los Muertos.
This artsy neighborhood really goes all out for the holiday — and to get an idea of past events, check out this Facebook post from the Coyoacan government page. When you visit, be on the lookout for these popular events:
- Nightly walking tours organized by people from this municipality, which do have a cost of about $250-300 MXN pesos ($13-16 USD), but will show you a lot of the Coyoacan hidden gems you’d never find on your own
- Artisan market with a lot of Día de los Muertos souvenirs for sale
- Musical performances in front of the Coyoacan church (Parroquia de San Juan Bautista)
You can also have no plans and wander around the main plazas in Jardín Centenario and Plaza Hidalgo to see the public ofrendas (altars) on display, and check out the stages to see cultural performances including the La Catrina contest.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
9. Pan de Muerto Festival: November 3-5
- 📆 WHEN: November 3-5, 11am-7pm each day
- 📍 WHERE: Churubusco Convention Center, Calzada de Tlalpan #1721, Coyoacan CDMX
- 💸 COST: Free
Pan de muerto, meaning Day of the Dead bread, is one of the most iconic Day of the Dead foods.
This sweet bread roll pastry is traditionally only made from about mid-September to mid-November, specifically for the holiday.
You can even pan de muerto festivals throughout Mexico City, with chefs making different variations on this seasonal treat. One of the largest is El Festival Artesanal de Café, Chocolate y Pan de Muerto.
This annual Coyoacan Coffee, Chocolate & Pan de Muerto Festival claims to be the largest CDMX pan de muerto festival all year.
At it, you can sample different types of pan de muerto and wash them down with Mexican hot chocolate.
There’s also another Pan de Muertos Festival in Centro Historico.
It takes place in the UNAM Palacio de la Autonomía on November 3-5. Entry tickets cost just $20 pesos ($1.25 USD) per person.
No matter if you attend a festival or not, make sure to eat pan de muerto from local bakeries in Mexico City on your trip.
🧁 Some of the best Mexico City bakeries include Pasteleria Ideal, Cuarentena Baking, Odette and Qūentin Café.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD Parade
10. 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, you should save some space on your CDMX itinerary to see the cemeteries.
Below you’ll find a list of 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
The cemeteries are among the most photogenic symbols of Mexico 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 more and more accustomed to tourists (both national tourists and international visitors).
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 — and not simply the Mexican version of Halloween.
Mexico City Day of the Dead Tips & FAQ
What is Day of the Dead?
Wondering, What is Dia de los Muertos? The first thing you need to know about Day of the Dead — it is not Mexican Halloween.
Day of the Dead is, however, one of the best Mexican holidays that celebrates our departed.
It is said that the veil between the living and the dead thins so much that on November 1 and November 2, our departed loved ones can cross back over for a brief visit (though Nov. 2 is the official Dia de los Muertos date).
To receive them, we prepare elaborate altars and throw parties in their honor.
As you can tell Day of the Dead is not a somber funerary event like many present-day rituals around death.
On the contrary, Dia de Muertos in Mexico is a celebration — one so grand even our deceased loved ones make the long trip back Earth-side to the living world so they can attend.
There are vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Mexico, not just in Mexico City.
Some of the best ones include Morelia, Oaxaca City, Patzcuaro, Jacinto Island, Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato City, and San Miguel de Allende.
One of the most important holiday celebrations in the country, it’s also one of the best times to visit Mexico.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
When is Day of the Dead in Mexico?
Though it’s called “Day” of the Dead, the holiday takes place over two days each year, November 1-2.
However, there’s usually festivities and decorations up from about October 26-November 4.
As the spirits of our departed are said to return each day at midnight, many celebrations take place at night — so you might see some sources say Day of the Dead is October 31-November 2.
However, if you’re wondering, What day is Day of the Dead in Mexico? The official Day of the Dead day is November 2.
However, in some places the holiday is weeklong affair, and different days correspond to different things.
💀 October 31st: Sometimes called Noche de Brujas (night of the witches), or the Eve of Dia de Muertos, it’s said that the spirits start returning at midnight.
💀 November 1st: The Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents), or Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), which honors deceased infants and children.
🐾 Some people also commemorate their deceased pets on this day.
💀 November 2nd: The actual Day of the Dead, which can honor all deceased family members, particularly adults.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
When is Day of the Dead in Mexico City?
While the holiday dates are the same throughout the whole country, November 1st and November 2nd, some Day of the Dead Mexico City events take place in late October.
When do the best Mexico City Day of the Dead events take place?
Late-October to early-November — Most of the events take place during the last week in October, though there are some events in early-November.
This includes the Dia de los Muertos Mexico City Parade, which is the main event.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
When is the best time to be in Mexico City for Day of the Dead?
About October 28 to November 4 — Depending on what days the holiday falls on each year, many Day of the Dead Mexico City events take place the weekend before, or the weekend after, the November 1-2 holiday dates.
How do I get to Mexico City for Day of the Dead?
You can fly into Mexico City International Airport (code: OAX), located just 30-45 minutes from Downtown CDMX.
✈️ Need tickets? Check flight prices and availability here!
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
Why celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico City?
Quite simply, it’s one of the most fun Mexico Day of the Dead celebrations.
Imagine walking around a historic colonial city, as you take in all the colorful decorations around you, listen to music from parades dancing past you, enjoy the smell of cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) in the air…
Perhaps the better question here is Why wouldn’t you want to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico City!?
💃 Coming alone to Mexico City for Day of the Dead? Check out this detailed Mexico City Safety Guide for Solo Travelers to get all my best tips for staying safe in Mexico City during your trip.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
The best advice when packing for Mexico City is to bring layers.
With a pretty sizable temperature variant from day to night, you need to be able to easily layer down in the daytime, and layer up at night.
You might also want to pack a light rain jacket.
Although the Day of the Dead holiday is at the end of the Mexico City rainy season, it can still rain in Mexico City in late-October and early November.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
Is Day of the Dead in Mexico City worth it?
Yes — Day of the Dead in CDMX is such a fun time.
Besides the parades, festivals and parties, it is a bucket list experience to spend this important Mexican holiday in Mexico.
Is Day of the Dead in Mexico City safe for travelers?
Aside from drinking too much mezcal and forgetting your phone at the bar so you can’t Uber back to your hotel, you’re generally in little danger in many areas of Mexico City (especially the main tourist areas).
Though it is a huge city, CDMX is one of the safest places in Mexico — if you stick to the safe neighborhoods in Mexico City, of course.
On a personal note: I lived in Mexico City for a while as a solo woman, and felt safe. For me, CDMX is a great place to visit during Day of the Dead, and any time of year.
As no place on Earth is 100% safe, you’ll want to take the same general travel safety precautions you would anywhere else (especially a big city). You can also register for the STEP Program and put your mind at ease with travel insurance.
⚠️ If you’d like to do a deep dive into this topic, check out Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now? to get Mexico travel safety advice, Mexico travel tips and more.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
How to Dress for Day of the Dead
Wondering what to wear for Day of the Dead in Mexico City? As mentioned above, this is not a time for those “sexy costumes” that are popular in the United States.
However, since it is Dia de Muertos, you’ll probably want to pack a special dress or outfit to enjoy the nighttime festivities.
If not, you can buy something from the local mercados (markets) when you arrive in Mexico City.
For this, I recommend Mercado de Artesanías (AKA La Ciudadela Market in Centro Historico), the Tuesday Tianguis Outdoor Market in Condesa, or Mercado La Merced in downtown (though exercise caution in this one).
You should be able to buy a dress or embroidered flower shirt at any of those for about $300 pesos ($15-20 USD).
Traditional Mexican garments are common for locals, and many go all out with face painting as well.
🌸 Day of the Dead Flower Crowns
You’ll find plenty of vendors on the streets and in the markets selling inexpensive flower crowns to complete the look — or you can go all out with one of these elaborate flower crown headbands.
You can also visit one of the Mexico City mercados mentioned above, or the Mercado Jamaica Flower Market, as you’ll usually find vendors selling fresh flower crowns.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
Where to Get Your Face Painted like La Catrina
Want to get your face painted like El Catrin or La Calavera Catrina, the famous Day of the Dead Woman first penned by Jose Guadalupe Posada?
You don’t need to bring all your makeup for La Catrina face painting, as you can just pay someone about $100 pesos ($6 USD) on the street to do it.
💀 Note: Some people also say it’s disrespectful to enter a cemetery in local communities with your face painted like La Catrina. Though she is an icon of Day of the Dead today, she has no connection to ancient traditions.
You, however, will want to pack a good makeup remover to get it off at the end of the night. This should be one of your Mexico City Day of the Dead essentials!
Here are some of the best places to get your face painted in Mexico City for Day of the Dead:
- Mexico City Zocalo, just in front of the Templo Mayor Museum
- Parque Alameda Central Park, both in the park and along Avenida Juarez
- Bosque de Chapultepec Park, near the entry to Castillo de Chapultepec Castle
- Zocalo de Coyoacan Main Square, inside Plaza Hidalgo
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.
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
Additional Mexico City Blogs & Day of the Dead Blogs
Planning to be in Mexico City after the Day of the Dead festival? Or, arriving to Mexico City before the festival starts?
Then you’re going to need some more tips on visiting the city, so check out these Mexico City travel blogs.
- Mexico City Itinerary Blogs: 3 Days, 4 Days, 5 Days
- 23 Best Luxury Hotels in Mexico City
- 51 Unique Things to Do in CMDX
- Mexico City to Teotihuacan Ruins Guide
- Mexico City Altitude Sickness: How to Avoid It
- 10 Best Xochimilco Tours in Mexico City
- 15 Best Mexico City Food Tours With Local Guides
- See all the Mexico City blogs
Mexico City DAY OF THE DEAD parade
Additional Day of the Dead Blogs
Need more information on the Mexico Day of the dead holiday? Here’s some blogs you’ll want to read next.
- Ultimate Day of the Dead in Mexico Guide
- Day of the Dead in Mexico City: What You Need to Know
- 17 Best Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico
- Hanal Pixan: Mayan Day of the Dead Celebration
- Celebrating Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City Mexico
- 30 Day of the Dead Foods & Drinks You Have to Try
- 13 Day of the Dead Symbols & Their Meanings