How to Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico City

In Magical Towns by Suzanne Koch

From intimate candlelit processions to big, festive celebrations, Dia de Los Muertos is a must-experience for travelers. Officially taking place on Nov. 2, the holiday is celebrated over multiple days for a bevy of fun. Here, we offer up some exciting options for those celebrating the day in the capital city.

Ignacia Guest House

Where to Go

The night of Oct. 31 kicks off a three-day celebration of activities. For the most authentic experience, head to San Andrew Mixquic, southeast of the city’s center. Here, the ex-convent and church’s cemetery is decked out with thousands of candles and marigolds and a midnight procession brings thousands of capitalinos to the altar-lined streets. The recently added Day of the Dead parade on Nov. 2 in Mexico City is a newer tradition allegedly inspired by the James Bond movie. For the original kick-off parade, visit the Saturday before Dia de Los Muertos.

Where to Stay

Located in the Colonia Roma neighborhood, Ignacia Guest House is an intimate five-room bed and breakfast. For Dia de Los Muertos, guests can enjoy the holiday’s traditional Pan de Muertos (bread of the dead) and holiday-inspired cocktails made with festive ingredients that week. Guests who check-in on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1-2 will be greeted with in-suite calaverita (skull-shaped candy). ignacia.mx

What to Eat

Join sustainable tourism expert Rocio Vazquez Landeta for her Eat Like a Local Mexico City’s special Immersive Day of the Dead Experience. As founder of the food tour, Rocio takes guests on a five-hour journey encompassing street tacos, flower markets, shopping and delicious food before ending the day in Roma Norte at her house from the late 1800s to set up a traditional altar on the rooftop and learn the meaning of each item. The experience is offered Oct. 26 through Nov. 1. eatlikealocal.com.mx

What to Do

For any girlfriend getaways, Wild Terrains Mexico City Experience curates women-only small group trips to explore local female-owned businesses. While their 2019 Dia de Los Muertos trip is sold out, travelers can now book their spot for the 2020 adventure, taking place Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, 2020. All Wild Terrains’ trip itineraries include accommodations at female-owned hotels, cuisine prepared by up-and-coming female chefs and local experiences to connect travelers with local female entrepreneurs and designers. Book any Wild Terrains trip by Oct. 31, 2019 with code HELLOFALL to receive $150 off. wildterrains.com

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