Home/Annual events
Cultural · Oaxaca + Mexico City + Michoacán, Mexico

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)

“Mexico's celebration of the dead — altars, marigolds, sugar skulls + midnight cemetery vigils”

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is Mexico's essential cultural celebration — 2 days when the deceased return to visit families. Altars (ofrendas), marigolds (cempasúchil), sugar skulls, pan de muerto + midnight cemetery vigils. Oaxaca has the most spectacular celebration. UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026
October 31-November 2
Saturday-Monday
Following year
2027
October 31-November 2

Fixed dates: October 31 (children's day preparations), November 1 (Día de los Angelitos — deceased children), November 2 (Día de los Muertos — deceased adults).

Duration
2-3 days (main celebration November 1-2)
Crowd
Oaxaca is overwhelmed
Budget/day
$100-250 mid-range Oaxaca (3-5× normal)
Book ahead
6+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Cultural travellers + photographers + open-minded festival-goers
  • ✓Book Oaxaca hotels 6-12 months ahead — sells out completely
  • ✓Xoxocotlán is the biggest cemetery celebration outside Oaxaca City (10 km south)
  • ✓Mexico City has its parade + Zócalo celebration but Oaxaca has authenticity
  • ✓Michoacán (Pátzcuaro + Janitzio Island) has the most traditional indigenous celebration
  • ✓Respectful clothing + behaviour required at cemeteries — this is a religious event
  • ✓Book alebrijes (colourful wooden animals) at San Antonio Arrazola workshop — perfect souvenir

Book hotels for Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) 2026

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 6+ months ahead.

Fly to Oaxaca International (or Mexico City MEX)

Find cheap flights

Compare flights · Powered by Trip.com

Search flights
Or compare on Expedia — often better US + EU faresPrefer a bundled flight + hotel package? Trip.com Vacation Packages

Airport transfer

Getting out of Oaxaca + Mexico City + Michoacán (OAX)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Frequently asked

When is Day of the Dead 2027?
October 31-November 2, 2027 (fixed dates every year). Peak celebration is night of November 1 → early morning November 2 (cemetery vigils).
Best place to celebrate Day of the Dead?
Oaxaca City + Xoxocotlán cemetery is the most spectacular. Mexico City + Pátzcuaro (Michoacán) also excellent. Skip resort towns like Cancún — they don't genuinely celebrate.
Is Day of the Dead a party?
It's a celebration but also deeply religious + reverent. Cemetery vigils are quiet family time. Street parades are festive. Dress respectfully, behave respectfully at cemeteries.
What is an ofrenda?
The altar built for deceased family members — includes marigolds (cempasúchil), photos, favourite foods, candles, sugar skulls, papel picado. Families set them up October 28-31.
How far in advance should I book Oaxaca?
6-12 months ahead. Oaxaca hotels sell out completely for October 31-November 2. Rates are 3-5× normal.