Oaxaca's Day of the Dead transforms cemeteries into candlelit celebrations with mezcal, street processions, and face paint that puts Halloween to shame.
Annual. Same dates every year.
Oaxaca does Dia de Muertos better than anywhere else in Mexico. The city's indigenous Zapotec traditions run deeper here than in Mexico City's Instagram-friendly parade, and the celebrations feel genuinely communal rather than performed. Families build elaborate altars (ofrendas) in their homes and businesses, decorated with marigolds, candles, photographs, and the favourite foods of deceased relatives. The scent of copal incense is everywhere.
The main nights are 31 October and 1 November. On the evening of the 31st, locals gather in the Panteon General cemetery on the northern edge of the city. Graves are cleaned, decorated with marigolds, and surrounded by candles. Families sit with their dead, eating, drinking mezcal, and playing music. Visitors are welcome but this is not a party: it is a vigil. Behave accordingly.
The Comparsa parades on 31 October are the theatrical counterpart. Groups in elaborate skeleton costumes and face paint dance through the streets from around 8pm, accompanied by brass bands. The route typically runs through the Centro Historico, passing the Zocalo and Santo Domingo. Multiple comparsas run simultaneously on different routes. Follow the music.
Mezcal is the drink of the festival. Oaxaca produces more varieties than anywhere else in Mexico, and tastings run throughout the week leading up to Dia de Muertos. Budget around 50 MXN (roughly GBP 2) per pour at market stalls, more at specialist bars. The food is equally specific: pan de muerto (sweet bread with bone-shaped decorations), mole negro, and tlayudas (large crispy tortillas) from street vendors.
Party hostels within reach of Oaxaca's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.
Most backpackers fly from Mexico City or take the overnight ADO bus. Oaxaca's airport is 8km south of the city centre.
Day-by-day breakdown
Comparsas begin around 8pm in the Centro Historico. Multiple routes run simultaneously. The Panteon General opens for family vigils from sunset. Arrive before 7pm to find a respectful vantage point.
Families honour deceased children. Altars feature toys and sweets. The atmosphere is quieter and more intimate. Markets around the Zocalo sell pan de muerto and sugar skulls throughout the day.
The main day. Cemeteries are at their most decorated. Live music plays throughout the city. Street food vendors line every major road. Mezcal flows freely. The evening brings more comparsas and fireworks.
Realistic costs per person · Verified March 2026
Prices in GBP. Festival week prices may be higher than standard rates. Prices verified March 2026.
Other festivals and parties in the same region
Pre-booked private transfers and shared shuttles for your arrival.
