San Andres Mixquic is the best place to experience Day of the Dead in Mexico as a tourist (here’s why).
Before you head off, though, there’s a few things you should know, from what to wear to how to get there!
What to wear to Mixquic Day of the Dead
While I saw a few locals dressed up Catrina-style in Mixquic, I did not see any costumed or painted foreigners. Most people were just dressed in regular streetwear.
Check the weather, but I would advise wearing long pants (or jeans), water-resistant boots or shoes (it can still be rainy in the end of October and beginning of November), bring a sweater or jacket, and consider bringing a waterproof poncho. Because the celebration is outdoors, if it rains, you’ll be left to the elements.
I’ve got more suggestions on what to wear in Mexico City (and around) in this post.
What to bring to Mixquic Day of the Dead
In addition to yourself and an open-minded attitude, you’ll want:
- Umbrella/packable rain jacket
- Small-bill money for snacks, souvenirs, and donations
- A backpack or bag, especially if you plan on buying a lot of stuff
- Camera (my favorite mirrorless pick is also waterproof)
- Theft-proof purse (like this one)
What to know about photography at Mixquic Day of the Dead
It’s totally acceptable and common practice to take photos of shrines, flowers, and the carnival-style booths.
However, you should NOT photograph individuals without their permission (“Puedo tomar una photo?“), and you shouldn’t disturb families who are visiting grave sites.
Avoid using flash as much as possible, especially when photographing people, and if you are going to use flash give a warning (if you’ve never been on the receiving end of a photo with flash in the dark, lucky you)
What to eat at Mixquic Dia de Muertos / Day of the Dead
There’s an endless supply of sweets, treats, and snacks, in addition to little restaurants dotted around the main drag.
WARNING: If you look like a foreigner and don’t speak Spanish like a Mexican, ask for the price before ordering. I’ve never been ripped off in Mexico until Mixquic. A friend ordered a small, typical dish that would usually run about 50 to 100 pesos (probably the low end, for this type of casual establishment), and was charged 500.
How to Visit Mixquic Day of the Dead
The easiest way to get to Mixquic is on a guided tour with Viator, but it’s not the only way.
From Mexico City (or Puebla), you’ll need to drive to San Andres Mixquic.
RENT A CAR: If you’re driving yourself, you’ll need to park a ways from the city, as parking fills up quickly, and you’ll want to park a ways from the city, as the roads are incredibly congested both before and after the main event.
TAKE UBER: Uber runs from Mexico City to Mixquic, and also picks up in Mixquic to go back to Mexico City (though there’ll be a bit of a delay on the return trip with fewer drivers in the area). Easy peasy.
HIRE A DRIVER: You can also hire a driver (through your hotel is the safest bet), and agree in advance what time he’ll return to pick you up. Around 10pm would be good, though celebrations go until the sun comes up.
Once in Mixquic, you want to head towards Mixquic Church, or Parroquia de San Andres Apóstol, as everything is organized around that point (including the cemetery and a stage for traditional dance performances). At some point, as you get near, you’ll pass by the carnivalesque stalls set up along the street, selling candies, snacks, souvenirs, and almost anything you can imagine.
Where to stay in Mexico City for Day of the Dead?
Airbnb is a GREAT value in Mexico (I recommend homes near Chapultepec Park, Roma, and Condesa for the best location and safe neighborhoods in Mexico City). Never used an Airbnb? Now’s the time to start! Get $38 off your first stay with this link.
Agoda also has a variety of price options (everything from budget dorms to high end hotels), and in a range of locations. Agoda runs flash deals, and you earn points towards free stays with every booking, so they are always my hotel aggregator of choice.
What to do in Mexico City?
Aside from visiting Mixquic for Dia de Los Muertos, Mexico City has a TON to do, see and drink! Check out my ultimate guide here.
What to wear and pack for Mexico City?
I’ve got you covered in this end-all and be-all list!
Pin it for Later: How to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mixquic, Mexico
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
Hello can we find uber or taxis midnight or later to come back to Mexico city from here as I have read in other blogs that ubering there is easy but coming back is the main challenge thanks
Author
Hi, sometimes there is a wait coming back. If you want to be sure, I’d recommend getting a private car and driver, or renting a car.