day-of-the-dead-mexico-city

October is when Mexico City begins filling with marigolds, catrinas, altars and pan de muerto. Day of the Dead is not limited to November 1 and 2. Weeks earlier, the city starts getting ready with parades, installations, flowers, cultural activities and seasonal food.

If you’re visiting Mexico City this season, here are seven plans to add to your itinerary.

1. Watch the Monumental Alebrijes Parade

📅 October 17
📍 Zócalo to Paseo de la Reforma

One of the season’s major events is the Monumental Alebrijes Parade, organized by the Museum of Popular Art.

Alebrijes are fantastical, brightly colored figures made from papier-mâché. During the parade, these large-scale creations fill the streets, traveling from the historic center toward Paseo de la Reforma.

It’s a great plan if you enjoy Mexican folk art, photography and seeing traditional craftsmanship take over the city.

KUKUN tip: Arrive early and choose a spot along Reforma to watch the parade without having to follow the entire route.

2. Buy marigolds on Reforma

📅 October 18 to November 1
📍 Paseo de la Reforma

Marigolds, known in Mexico as cempasúchil, are one of the most recognizable symbols of the season. During these dates, flower growers from Tláhuac, Milpa Alta and Xochimilco bring their flowers to different points along Reforma.

Buying flowers is more than a photo opportunity. It’s a way to connect with the traditions behind preparing a Day of the Dead altar, or ofrenda.

KUKUN tip: Pick up a small bouquet and bring a little of the season back to your KUKUN apartment.

3. Explore the “El Camino” installation

📅 October 23 to November 8
📍 From the Angel of Independence to the Puerta de los Leones at Chapultepec

The planned installation connects two iconic landmarks along a route designed to be experienced during the Day of the Dead season.

Visit after 7 p.m. to enjoy the city’s nighttime atmosphere, then continue your evening with dinner in Juárez, Roma or Condesa.

KUKUN tip: Confirm the installation’s dates, access points and schedule before heading out.

4. See the Mega Catrina Procession

📅 October 25
📍 Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Juárez and 5 de Mayo Street

Catrinas take over the streets in one of the season’s most colorful celebrations. Participants dress up with elaborate makeup and traditional-inspired outfits, transforming the city into a moving tribute to Mexican culture and remembrance.

Check official announcements for the confirmed route and schedule, and arrive early to find a good viewing spot.

5. Visit the Zócalo’s Monumental Ofrenda

📅 October 29 to November 2
📍 Zócalo, Mexico City

The Zócalo becomes one of the season’s main gathering points with its monumental Day of the Dead altar.

The planned installation is dedicated to La Catrina and features a large papier-mâché sculpture, sawdust carpets, flowers and special lighting.

KUKUN tip: Visit around sunset to see the installation in natural light and later illuminated after dark. Confirm the final dates and details before visiting.

6. Experience La Alumbrada in Mixquic

📅 November 1 and 2
📍 San Andrés Mixquic, Tláhuac

In Mixquic, Day of the Dead is a deeply rooted community and family tradition. One of its most meaningful moments is La Alumbrada, when candles illuminate the cemetery as families remember their loved ones.

This is not simply an event for visitors. It is a celebration of the community and its traditions.

KUKUN tip: Respect residents’ instructions, ask permission before photographing people and allow extra travel time because of traffic.

7. Taste the flavors of the season

📍 Bakeries and restaurants throughout Mexico City

Day of the Dead can also be experienced through food.

During October, bakeries offer different versions of pan de muerto, from traditional recipes to creative options with fillings, chocolate, spices and unexpected ingredients.

Build your own small food route: start with a pan de muerto festival, continue to a bakery in Roma and finish with hot chocolate at a café.

Because in Mexico City, discovering a tradition can be a delicious experience, too.

A season for discovering the city

You don’t have to wait until November to experience Day of the Dead. Throughout October, Mexico City gradually changes: flowers appear, streets fill with color and seasonal events bring new stories to discover.

Stay at KUKUN and let the city become part of your experience.

Dates and schedules may change. Confirm official information before attending.