Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of Mexico’s most revered holidays. Through traditions with roots in both Mesoamerican and Spanish Catholic culture, it’s a time to commemorate loved ones. Visitors to Mexico can experience it alongside locals, in settings that vary dramatically depending on the location. This year, there are lots of options for clients interested in immersing in the holiday, from traditional, community-based ceremonies and guided tours to hotel-based activities created specifically for visitors.
An important planning note for travel advisors: Day of the Dead actually stretches over two days. Nov. 1 is known as Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents), which honors the memories of deceased children, while Nov. 2 is dedicated to deceased adults. Decorations, which include beautiful ofrendas (altars) with family photos, mementos and marigolds, are usually in place in advance.
Here are several ways clients can experience Dia de los Muertos this year in Mexico.
Authentic Traditions
Oaxaca is widely considered one of the most rewarding places to observe authentic Dia de los Muertos traditions. Communities such as Xoxocotlan, Santa Maria Atzompa and San Agustin Etla stage interesting cemetery rituals and nighttime processions. Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (known as SECTUR) encourages visitors to join local, late-night cemetery tours and village visits.
Those looking to experience Day of the Dead without the extra work of finding local tours may want to consider a multiday excursion with a larger operator. Among the companies offering Day of the Dead tours is Exodus Adventure Travels, which has two dedicated 2026 departures; both are 16-day itineraries that depart from Mexico City and include visits to multiple destinations. One features Day of the Dead activities in Romerillo, a small town in Chiapas, while the other visits Oaxaca to witness the traditions, with experiences that include a meal with a local Zapotec family.
Mexico’s largest cities also commemorate Day of the Dead in a variety of ways. In Mexico City, a massive parade will take to the streets on Oct. 31. Interestingly, the procession dates only to 2016 and was inspired by a staged event in the James Bond Film “Spectre,” but it’s still an interesting way to witness the city’s creative spirit. For a more traditional experience in Mexico’s capital region, consider tour options such as Intrepid Travel’s five-day Mexico City: Day of the Dead Original itinerary, which includes visits to Tlahuac cemetery, where graves are decorated by families of the deceased.
Guadalajara also offers a modern-day way to experience Day of the Dead, as well as a more traditional option: Calavanderia, which is billed as the first Dia de los Muertos theme park, as well as Tlacalaca Fest, in the nearby town of Tlaquepaque.
Celebrations on the Caribbean Coast
One of the easiest ways for foreigners to incorporate Dia de los Muertos into a Mexico vacation is to visit a venue that stages tourist-oriented exhibits and activities related to the event. On Mexico’s Caribbean coast, for example, Xcaret hosts a Festival of Life and Death that runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. The multiday event features traditional altars, as well as food tastings, craft workshops, theater, dance performances and concerts.
Altar at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
2026 Dreams Tulum Resort & SpaAmong the accommodation options with Dia de los Muertos programming is Mayakoba Mexico, an upscale complex that’s home to Alila Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba and Rosewood Mayakoba. From Oct. 29 until Nov. 1, the hotels will display traditional altars and stage candle-lighting ceremonies, live music, dance and art exhibits. Highlights include a nighttime boat procession accompanied by floating art and live performances.
Also celebrating the spirit of the holiday is Sandos Caracol Nature Resort & Water Park, which from Nov. 1-2 will be decorated with ofrendas and host mariachi performances, dance performances and parades of La Catrina, the iconic skeleton figure that represents the Day of the Dead. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, meanwhile, will host Xibalba Fest, a three-day celebration that includes an altar contest, live music and dance and art exhibitions.
Pacific Coast and Central Mexico
On Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta promises a visually stunning Dia de los Muertos, with more than 40 giant calaveras (skeletons) and what tourism officials call the tallest Catrina in the world. Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, meanwhile, will host a Celebration Beyond Life dinner for Dia de los Muertos, as well as live music and altars created by hotel staff.
Also on the coast, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is hosting a Catrinas Fest from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 focused on culture and cuisine, with an all-female lineup of guest chefs, face painting, live music and hostesses dressed as Catrinas. Special programming for children includes a Catrina-led trick-or-treat outing and a Dia de los Muertos mask workshop.
Sandos Caracol Nature Resort & Water Park will be decorated with ofrendas and host mariachi performances, dance performances and parades.
2026 Sandos Caracol Nature Resort & Water ParkNearby, Conrad Punta de Mita offers a three-day celebration from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Programming includes special decor, an altar unveiling, face painting, a Catrina procession and a sunset ceremony.
Activities in Los Cabos and Baja California
Los Cabos provides several interesting ways for advisors to sell the holiday, too. In San Jose del Cabo, for example, Plaza Mijares is the site of multiple community-built ofrendas; the town also hosts Catrina parades, live music and other types of cultural programming.
Nearby, Acre Resort is putting a culinary spin on Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 2, when its restaurant and cocktail bar will be decorated with altars and a shaman will bless the venue. Pan de Muerto (a Day of the Dead bread), themed cocktails, live music and a Catrina contest round out the offerings.
In the town of Cabo San Lucas, meanwhile, Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa will host multiple altars on property, as well as a four-course beachfront dinner on Nov. 1.
Farther north, the town of Tecate — a designated Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) near the border — offers a variety of events between Oct. 23 and Nov. 1, including a traditional procession, altar and alebrije (folk art sculptures) exhibitions, cultural performances and regional cuisine.
