Celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
This year we are lucky to find ourselves in Oaxaca, Mexico around 1 and 2 November, when Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead. Here're the main celebrations we experienced
Visiting the Panteon / Cemeteries
This was my favourite part - our local community gathered at the cemetery on the evening of 2 November.
It was mind-blowing when I heard it, but I confirmed myself that it was indeed a PARTY - there was a live band, mezcals / liquors being passed around, candles, and there were lots of food stalls just outside of the cemetery.
Many families sat around a grave, having a chat, food and drinks. The idea is that the deceased have joined them in the circles once more.
The atmosphere was mostly joyful, but some families did see more solemn - perhaps the departure happened recently and the pain of loss was more raw.
Street Decorations / Altars / Offerings (ofrendas)
Oaxaca have permanent decorations of skeletons, skulls - this is totally new to Chinese culture, and we have enjoyed normalising death in every day life.
During Day of the Dead, Marigold was added to the decorations. They are the Flower of the Dead, to lead the dead home, and their transient beauty also reminds us the fragility of life.
Another special addition is the many altars set up in all the shops / hotels / public space. Various items were added to celebrate the life of the deceased. You can also find grain drawings on the floor of various patterns.
The Day of the Dead Parade
This was the much anticipated and very well participated event on the evening of 31 October. People from all regions of Oaxaca, local shops and restaurants form their parade units and walked from North and South through Oaxaca. This was a main tourist event for this day.
Again I loved the celebration, joy and life in the forms of the dead. It is a reminder of how death is all part of our life, and it is not an oblivion. 
You can learn and share about the customs with your children with this set of Montessori 4 part cards.
Lots of love,
Eva
Nov 2025
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