Immerse yourself in Mexico’s unforgettable 2025 Day of the Dead celebrations: learn more about it

Published on October 29, 2025

As October draws to a close, a wave of excitement and reverence sweeps across Mexico, heralding one of the country’s most cherished and colorful traditions – Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This annual festival, celebrated on November 1 and 2, serves as a profound connection between the living and the departed. The holiday is not about mourning death, but rather about celebrating life, remembering ancestors, and fostering a deep sense of community.

Across the country, families and communities are preparing to honor their loved ones by setting up altars in homes and cemeteries. These altars are decorated with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, traditional foods, and photographs, transforming homes and public spaces into sanctuaries of remembrance. The celebration is characterized by the belief that the souls of the departed return to their families on these days, and the offerings presented to them are a way to welcome them home.

In 2025, Day of the Dead will attract not only thousands of Mexicans, but also travelers from all over the world who want to witness and experience the richness of this cultural phenomenon.

The essence of Dia de los Muertos: customs and traditions

Ofrenda symbolism

At the heart of Day of the Dead celebrations are the altars of the ofrendas dedicated to honoring the deceased. These altars can vary greatly by region, but they share common elements. Families prepare randas at home or in the cemetery, where they are decorated with symbolic items representing the life of the deceased and his journey into the world of the living. Some common offerings include:

• Marigold (Cempasúchil): The bright orange flowers are believed to help the souls of the dead return to their families. Flowers are placed along the path leading to the altar and in the surrounding areas. Its strong scent and bright color are seen as a beacon for souls returning for a visit.
• Candles: The lit candles symbolize the souls’ return journey to the land of the living. Flickering flames help light the way for the departed, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and celebration.
• Sugar Skulls (Calaveras de Azucar): These distinctive ornaments are often painted in bright colors and decorated with names that represent the joy and liveliness of life. The sugar skull is not seen as something horrific, but rather as a celebration of life itself.
• Images and personal effects: Family photos, along with personal items, are often placed on the altar as a reminder of the lives of loved ones. These personal touches create a connection with the deceased, keeping their memory alive in the hearts of their families.
• Traditional foods: Food plays an important role in the celebration, as it is believed to nourish the souls of the dead during their brief visit to the living world. Some of the most popular foods include: Pan de muerto (Skull-shaped sweet bread), Tamales, Atoll (a warm corn-based drink) and Fruit Such as orange, which is often favored by spirits.

2 days Dia de los Muerto

Day of the Dead extends over two days, each of which has distinct importance and traditions:

• November 1 – Dia de los Angelitos Day: This day is dedicated to honoring deceased children, who are often referred to as “angelitos” (little angels). It is a more intimate day of reflection for families, as they remember and celebrate the lives of young people who have died. Children’s altars are often decorated with toys, sweets, and bright colors to create an atmosphere of joy and innocence.
• November 2 – Day of the Dead: This day honors adults who have passed away. Celebrations are often grander, with larger public gatherings and processions. On this day, people visit the graves of their loved ones, clean them, and decorate them with flowers and candles. Traditional music and food are shared between families as they remember and celebrate the lives of their ancestors.

National Celebrations: Events and celebrations throughout Mexico

Mexico City: grandeur on display

The heart of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos celebrations lies in its capital, Mexico City. The Big Day of the Dead Parade, which began in 2016, is now one of the biggest and most popular celebration events. In 2025, the parade is expected to be even bigger, with massive floats, live music, dancers in traditional costumes, and countless amazing skeletal figures. The parade will move along Paseo de la Reforma, showcasing Mexico’s vibrant culture through art, performance and tradition.

Another major attraction in Mexico City is Huge Ofrinda In the Zocalo, the city’s main square. In 2025, the altar will pay tribute to ancient Mexican Mesoamerican gods such as Tonantzingoddess of the earth, and Exmocanyahthe mother goddess of the Maya. This tribute will combine indigenous traditions with modern artistic expression, showcasing Mexico’s deep cultural roots. the Zocalo ofrinda It will also be accompanied by cultural activities and free workshops for visitors of all ages.

Oaxaca: cultural center

Oaxaca, a region steeped in indigenous traditions, is one of the most culturally rich places to celebrate Day of the Dead. Here, the streets and cemeteries come alive with vibrant and intricate altars Sand upholsteryand Scraps of paper (Babylon picado). Families gather at cemeteries to spend the night, lighting candles and sharing food to honor their departed loved ones.

In 2025, Oaxaca will feature Guillaguitza Dance Festivalwith performances dedicated to celebrating life and death through traditional indigenous music and dance. The Oaxaca International Festival of the Dead will also host workshops, exhibitions and popular events Mesoamerican rituals for the deadThis provides an opportunity to learn about the origins of this ancient celebration.

Patzcuaro, Michoacán: An intimate lakeside celebration

In Patzcuaro, Michoacán, Day of the Dead takes on a more solemn tone, as families gather around the beautiful setting Lake Patzcuaro For candlelight vigils. The sight of glowing lights reflected on the water is a powerful image of reverence and remembrance. This tradition, dating back centuries, remains one of the most popular and picturesque ways to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

the Janitsio Islandan island located in the middle of Lake Patzcuaro, has special importance during this time. The island is home to a large community of indigenous Burepecha people, and their unique traditions and rituals have made the island a focal point for Day of the Dead celebrations. Families gather on the beaches, while canoe fishermen create stunning processions on the water, lighting the way for the souls of their loved ones.

Northern Mexico and coastal areas: celebrations with a local character

In northern Mexico, such as the states Nuevo Leon and Chihuahua It will host a variety of community gatherings and craft fairs where visitors can taste local foods, view art exhibits, and learn more about the region’s Día de los Muertos customs. In coastal areas such as Veracruz and Yucatan PeninsulaMusic festivals, traditional dance performances and food festivals will provide visitors with an immersive experience in the festive atmosphere of this unique tradition.

Day of the Dead Tourism: Increase in the number of visitors

In 2025, more than 1.6 million visitors are expected to flock to Mexico to experience Day of the Dead celebrations. According to government sources, tourism in Mexico surrounding Día de los Muertos is growing year over year, with international travelers making up a large portion of visitors. Peak tourism occurs during the last week of October and the first few days of November, with hotel occupancy rates reaching around 60.8% in major tourist destinations such as Mexico City, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya.

Experience Day of the Dead first hand

For travelers, participating in Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations provides a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. Whether you’re walking the streets of Mexico City, exploring the massacres in Oaxaca, or enjoying the quiet lakeside vigils of Patzcuaro, Day of the Dead is an opportunity to witness the unity of community, culture, and family in Mexico.

A powerful expression of identity and legacy

Day of the Dead is more than just a holiday — it is a powerful reflection of Mexico’s cultural identity, resilience, and devotion to family. Through vibrant parades, elaborate rituals, and community gatherings, Mexicans honor their ancestors, celebrate the beauty of life, and embrace the cyclical nature of existence. For those looking to experience a unique and deeply moving cultural celebration, Día de los Muertos in Mexico offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant and meaningful traditions.