Day of the Dead is an incredible celebration, with its current form born of the syncretism between indigenous spirituality and Catholicism. Day of the Dead (or Dia de Los Muertos) welcomes the dead back to Earth for a time of remembrance, rejoicing, and honoring.
Day of the Dead has been celebrated throughout Mexico, in varying forms, for over 3000 years, and is currently experiencing a surge in popularity with tourists interested in witnessing the unique celebration… for good reason! Day of the Dead is colorful, vibrant, and fun while exploring one of humanity’s most taboo yet fascinating topics.
Of all the places where Day of the Dead is celebrated, Oaxaca is an especially beloved destination for tourists. The town is the perfect place for a foreigner to experience Day of the Dead because of the ease of access, the general environment of welcoming tourists to participate, and the dynamic Day of the Dead pageantry that goes on in the city and surrounding villages.
About Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
In Oaxaca, the main events occur from October 31 to November 2, but there are related events and activities for weeks before and days after, and in the surrounding villages.
Oaxaca has become a bit of an international tourism darling, especially when it comes to Day of the Dead, and is an extremely popular place to experience the holiday, so book flights, bus tickets, hotels, and any tours well in advance.
What is Unique About Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
I recommend Oaxaca as one of the best destinations in Mexico for experiencing Day of the Dead mainly because it’s exceptionally easy for tourists to join in on the celebration, and visitors are warmly welcomed. The festivities in Oaxaca tend to be large and community-oriented, so the presence of visitors is not inappropriate or offensive. Increasing numbers of tourists have been flocking to Oaxaca, especially for Day of the Dead, over the past decade, so visitors are not at all out of place or unusual.
Keep in Mind Before Going to Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Remember that this celebration is not a staged performance for tourists’ benefit, but rather a traditional and time-honored celebration that you are so graciously being allowed to participate in.
It’s important to be respectful and honor the welcome you’ve received.
A few suggestions:
- Take photos with care: don’t be intrusive and avoid taking photos of children without permission.
- Don’t get drunk and disorderly.
- Show ofrendas and cemeteries the same respect you’d show similar sites in your own culture (ie don’t pose on grave sites for photographic purposes or touch/alter ofrendas: both of which I’ve sadly seen!).
- If you want to communicate, learn some Spanish before you go, or bring a phrasebook, and don’t complain or pitch a fit if people don’t understand you. No one is obligated to speak English.
- Have your face painted by an artist to support their work instead of doing it yourself, and be mindful of cultural appropriation. When in doubt: ask a local what is appropriate or not.
If you would like to visit celebrations or sites that are “off the beaten track”, especially in indigenous communities, go with a local guide or local tour group, to ensure that your presence is appropriate and desired.
What to Do in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
Some of the easiest and most fun ways to participate in Day of the Dead in Oaxaca:
- Tag along after a comparsa (parade/procession) as it passes by
- Go to Panteon General cemetery to see the beautiful grave decorations
- Visit open homes with ofrendas (altars) for viewing
- Have your face painted by an artist (they’ll be located in the Zocalo around nightfall)
- Browse the Day of the Dead markets like 20 de Noviembre or Central de Abastos (pick up some cut-paper decorations, called papel picado, or fanciful-animal alebrijes to bring home)
- Go to the Zocalo: in and around, you’ll find food carts, ofrendas, decorations, and vendors selling handicrafts
- Walk Calle Alcala, which is full of activity day and night including street performers, vendors, and costumed people
- Wander! You never know what you’ll come across, maybe a Day of the Dead costume competition for locals, a dressed-up Xoloitzcuintli (a Mexican hairless dog), or a random rowdy comparsa handing out free shots of who-knows-what
I know it goes totally against most Americans’ style of planning, but really, the best way to experience Day of the Dead (in Oaxaca and elsewhere) is to wander around, see what happens, and follow the moment. Even pre-organized activities (like comparsas or Catrina contests) are loosely planned, with times as more of a suggestion than anything else. You’ll enjoy your experience the most if you let go of your strict punctuality and datebook.
Other non-Day of the Dead-specific activities to make time for in Oaxaca:
- Try mezcal (these are the best mezcalerias in Oaxaca)
- Drink coffee
- Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua
- Enjoy delicious Oaxacan cuisine, especially street food and chocolate
- Visit non-DOTD markets, like the La Cosecha organic market (open 8am-6pm, Wed-Sunday)
How to Get to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
While Oaxaca has its own airport, a cheaper option would be to fly into Mexico City (or Puebla) and take a bus to Oaxaca. While the bus from Mexico City is long (around 7 hours), the bus from Puebla is only just over 4 hours.
My recommendation would be to fly into Mexico City, spend a day or two or more enjoying Mexico’s biggest – and I’d argue BEST – city, and then take the bus into Puebla (around 3 hours, depending on traffic), where you can spend a day and a night before heading to Oaxaca. Here are my favorite recommendations for what to do in Mexico City and in Puebla.
The bus station in Oaxaca is right on the edge of all the Day of the Dead activities, so you can really arrive into the station and immediately start your trip, most likely just walking to your hotel.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
a hotel ofrenda
There’s a huge variety of accommodation options in Oaxaca, but they all share one thing in common: they book up quickly for Day of the Dead! As of right now, the time of publication, over 70% of rooms in Oaxaca are already booked for Day of the Dead.
No matter where you book, trying to stay near Alcala street or the Zocalo will score you the best and most convenient spot.
Here are a few of my favorite places to stay (for every budget):
Nonprofit Hotel
Hotel Con Corazon is definitely my favorite pick of the bunch. While I haven’t stayed in their Oaxaca location, I fell in love with their Granada branch. Hotel Con Corazon is a social enterpise and nonprofit, as all profits are invested in educational programs for local kids that allow them to finish school and have more opportunities. The hotel itself has a very boutique vibe, and is super cute and cozy.
Rooms start around $60 per night
(Book Hotel Con Corazon of Oaxaca on Agoda or Booking.com)
Hostel
Iguana Hostel has a super convenient location in the heart of Oaxaca, two blocks from the Andador, and in between the Zocalo and Iglesia Santo Domingo. It’s exceptionally clean, spacious, and roomy, with a loft-like feeling. The cool rooftop terrace is a great place to hang out and a definite bonus.
A dorm bed starts around $10USD per night
(Book Iguana Hostel of Oaxaca on Agoda or Booking.com)
Airbnb
In most cities in Mexico, Airbnb offers the best value, especially if you’re traveling with a group, for a wide variety of price points. Oaxaca is not an exception.
(Never used Airbnb? Here’s $38 off your first stay!)
Budget Hotel
Hotel Veracruz is simple and cheap. It’s located right next to the ADO bus station (literally, they’re neighbors) and is a short walk to the Day of the Dead action. The rooms aren’t super well insulated, so you’ll hear a lot of hallway noise, which can be avoided if you ask for an end room. Still, the hotel is a good value, with strong wifi and air conditioning in every room.
Stays start at $30USD per night
(Book Hotel Veracruz of Oaxaca on Agoda or Booking.com)
Mid-Range Hotel
Suites Colibri is another simple hotel, very conveniently located in the city center. The hotel allows for late check-ins and early check-outs, but basic Spanish knowledge is necessary as most of the staff do not speak any English.
Stays start just under $50 per night
(Book Suites Colibri Hotel of Oaxaca on Agoda or Booking.com)
Other places to experience Day of the Dead in Mexico
a grave site in San Andres Mixquic
Two other easy-to-reach, tourist-friendly options are:
San Andres Mixquic, a community near Mexico City (you can go on a transportation-provided daytrip with Viator from Mexico City here)
Mexico City itself, especially the Day of the Dead parade (which started after and is based on the James Bond movie) or to Xochimilco
Pin it for Later: What You Need to Know About Experiencing Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Have you celebrated Day of the Dead in 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!
