Day of the Dead in Oaxaca – 10 Best Things to Do for Día de los Muertos

Oaxaca is one of the most magical places to experience the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. This vibrant celebration is a mix of indigenous traditions and Catholic influence, creating a unique and colorful way to honor loved ones who have passed away. From lively parades to candlelit cemeteries, Oaxaca comes alive with a sense of community and joy that makes this time of year truly special. In this travel guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead, where to stay, where to eat, and more, ensuring you make the most of your time here.

When is Day of the Dead celebrated?

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd with each day having its own significance.

October 31st marks the arrival of the spirits of children, known as Día de los Angelitos, while November 1st is Día de los Difuntos, when the spirits of adults are believed to visit. November 2nd, Día de los Muertos, is the culmination of the celebrations, where families gather at cemeteries and offer food, flowers and memories to honor the departed.

Things to Do in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead is unlike any other festival. You will see streets lined with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, candles, and colorful decorations. Here are the best activities to fully immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebrations:

1. Join the Comparsas – Parades

Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead wouldn’t be complete without the famous parades, known as comparsas. These lively processions fill the streets with music, dancing, incredible costumes and giant floats. You can join the parade or watch from the sidelines as locals dressed as skeletons dance through the streets, playing traditional music.

Each neighborhood often hosts its own comparsa, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take part in the fun. The atmosphere is infectious so get ready to dance and enjoy the festive spirit. The largest parade, the Magna Comparsa, takes place on different dates each year. In 2024, it was held on October 30th.

2. Visit Local Cemeteries at Night

One of the most meaningful experiences during Day of the Dead is visiting local cemeteries, where families gather to honor their ancestors.

The most popular cemeteries for tourists to visit are Xoxocotlán Cemetery or Atzompa Cemetery, which are just a short drive away from Oaxaca. You can also visit Xochimilco Cemetery or Panteón General, both based in the city.

This tradition is both festive and respectful, with families celebrating the lives of their loved ones with food, flowers, music, and memories. Visiting cemeteries at night, when they are illuminated by candlelight, is a surreal and moving experience.

Always remember to be respectful of the families when visiting these ceremonies, particularly when taking photographs.

3. Get Your Face Painted

Face painting is a big part of Day of the Dead celebrations, with many opting for the classic sugar skull.

You can have your face painted in the streets of Oaxaca by skilled local artists. Most charge around 200 pesos ($10) for a classic design. Alternatively, there are paints, gems, and headpieces for sale in the local markets if you’d prefer to create the look yourself.

4. Explore Mitla – Pan de Muertos Decorating Class

Mitla, around a 1-hour drive from Oaxaca, is known for its rich history and strong connection to indigenous traditions. You can take a day trip to explore the archaeological ruins and join a pan de muerto decorating class.

Mitla was once a major religious center for the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations. The name “Mitla” comes from the Nahuatl word Mictlán, meaning “place of the dead” or “underworld.” However, in Zapotec, it was called Lyobaa, which means “place of rest.” During Day of the Dead, Mitla becomes even more special. Many locals visit the site to honor ancestors, and you can often find altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigolds and candles.

Pan de muerto is a traditional sweet bread baked for Day of the Dead, often decorated with sugar and bone-shaped designs. Learning to decorate this bread is a fun way to engage with local culture and you’ll get to enjoy a delicious treat afterward!

We took a trip to Mitla with Where Sidewalks End – a tour company offering authentic and local run trips. They have many Day of the Dead experiences such as the marigold fields experience, makeup and professional photoshoot experience, cooking class experience, and mask making experience.

There’s also a Day of the Dead event where you’ll get to experience many of the traditions in one day, and a women only Day of the Dead event is available.

If you’d like your whole week planned for you, they have an Ultimate Day of the Dead experience which includes 7 days of activities.

5. Flower Fields

Marigolds, known as cempasúchil, are a symbol of Day of the Dead. These bright orange flowers are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living.

You can visit the local flower fields just outside of Oaxaca to see rows of vibrant marigolds in full bloom. This is a great opportunity to learn about the flowers’ importance, take stunning photos and contribute to an ofrenda (altar).

6. Admire the Ofrendas

Ofrendas are the heart of the Day of the Dead celebrations. These altars are set up in homes, businesses, and public spaces to honor deceased family members. They are adorned with photos, marigolds, candles, and favorite foods of the departed.

You should explore Oaxaca’s streets to see the beautiful ofrendas, each one unique and full of meaning. The Zócalo (main square) and local markets are great places to find impressive ofrendas created by local artists and families.

7. Skull Decorating and Mask Making Classes

If you’re looking for something creative to do, then these two classes are perfect.

Decorating Sugar Skulls – Calaveras de Azúcar

You can take part in a skull decorating class to learn how to paint and design your own sugar skulls.

These colorful creations are often placed on ofrendas or given as gifts to loved ones.

Mask Making

You can take part in a mask making class to decorate and personalize your own Day of the Dead mask – perfect for wearing to the parade and you can take it home as a keep sake.

Both of these workshops are a hands-on way to understand the symbolism behind these decorations, and you’ll leave with a unique souvenir from your trip.

8. San Martín Tilcajete – Home of the Alebrijes

San Martín Tilcajete is a small town just a 45-minute drive from Oaxaca, which is also easily reached by public bus. The town is famous for its alebrijes – brightly colored wooden carvings of fantastical animals.

The town rose to fame when Pixar spent many days here getting inspiration for the Disney Pixar film Coco. These magical creatures have become a symbol of Oaxaca, and during Day of the Dead, they play a role in guiding spirits.

You can visit local workshops to see artisans creating these intricate sculptures. One we’d recommend is Jacobo and Maria Angeles. They show the paint making process in detail, and it’s the workshop that Pixar visited!

If you’re feeling inspired and creative, why not try decorating your own alebrije? In the workshop, you’ll be assigned spirit animals based on your birth date which you can paint.

This is a great opportunity to learn about a unique Oaxacan art form and support local artists.

9. Day of the Dead Street Art

During the Day of the Dead, Oaxaca’s streets are transformed into an open-air gallery. You should keep an eye out for murals and street art depicting traditional Day of the Dead symbols.

Xochimilco and Jalatlaco are the best neighborhoods for seeing these colorful works of art.

10. Fiesta in Etla

Etla, a town 20km north of Oaxaca, is known for its vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations. You should make the trip to Etla to experience their unique way of celebrating, which often includes lively parades, music, and dancing.

The fiestas in Etla are a bit more local than in the city center, giving you a more traditional glimpse into the culture. It’s a great way to see how different communities celebrate Day of the Dead. The fiesta is usually held on November 1st and runs all through the night.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

Finding the right accommodation is key to enjoying your stay in Oaxaca during Day of the Dead. It’s also worth noting that accommodation for Day of the Dead gets booked up months, even years in advance so make sure to plan well ahead. Here are some options for every budget, all highly rated:

Luxury: Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca – a luxurious hotel situated in the heart of Oaxaca de Juárez, known for its excellent service. It offers beautiful rooms, a luxurious spa and a heated pool. The central location makes it easy to access all the Day of the Dead festivities.

Mid-Range: Hotel La Noria Centro Histórico – A comfortable and charming hotel located just a few blocks from the Zócalo. It has a traditional Mexican decor and offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those who want to stay close to the main attractions without breaking the bank.

Budget-Friendly: Azul Cielo Hostal – A fun and friendly hostel with a relaxed vibe. Located in central Oaxaca, approximately a 10-minute walk from the historic city center. The hostal has both private rooms and dorms.

Great for digital nomads: Co404 Coliving – A central and modern co-living with a huge co-working space with plenty of desks. We spent 2 weeks here for Day of the Dead and would highly recommend it! They even arranged daily activities for Day of the Dead so it’s perfect if you’re a solo traveller or would like a stress-free trip with minimal planning. Use our code Wanderlustwelsh5 for 5% off your booking.

Where to Eat in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

Oaxaca’s food scene is legendary and during Day of the Dead, you’ll find plenty of special dishes and treats to try such as Pan de Muerto, tamales and their chocolate.

Our favorite chocolate shop was Rito Chocolatería & Tienda, known for their rich chocolate ice cream. They have many vegan options and sell little boxes of chocolates which are perfect to add to an afrenda.

Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

Oaxaca offers great vegan and vegetarian options that allow you to enjoy the local flavors. Some of our favorites were:

Nanita – Plant-based comfort food café offering Southern style dishes. The BBQ Torta and potatoes with vegan cheese are a must try!

Herbivora – Fully vegan Mexican fast-food restaurant offering freshly made tacos. They also have a taco cooking class which we’d love to do next time!

Le Campane – A restaurant which specializes mostly in Italian cuisine with lots of amazing vegan options.

Los Danzantes – Oaxaca’s only Michelin star restaurant. Perfect for a treat or a special occasion.

How to Get to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

Oaxaca is accessible by air, with flights arriving at Xoxocotlán International Airport from major Mexican cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey as well as Houston, LA, and Miami in the US.

Another option if you’re already in Mexico is to take a bus from Mexico City, which takes around 6-7 hours. Some travelers choose to rent a car for more flexibility, allowing for day trips to nearby towns and attractions.

Getting Around Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

Oaxaca’s city center is compact and walkable, which makes exploring during Day of the Dead easy and convenient. You should bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time on foot. For longer distances, you can use local taxis. There are no ride hailing apps currently in Oaxaca.

If you want to explore beyond the city, you should consider renting a car or booking a guided tour to visit nearby villages and archaeological sites.

How Long to Stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

A minimum of four to five days is ideal to experience the full celebration. Arriving by October 30th allows you to see the build-up, and staying until November 3rd lets you enjoy the final events.

Oaxaca for Day of the Dead FAQs

How to book Day of the Dead activities in Oaxaca?

Where Sidewalks End offer many individual Day of the Dead Activities and also offer a 7 day Ultimate Day of the Dead experience for a hassle-free option.

Is Oaxaca Safe for Tourists?

Yes, Oaxaca is generally safe. You should stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone late at night.

Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Oaxaca’s rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant traditions make it one of the best places to experience Day of the Dead.

Is Oaxaca Expensive?

Oaxaca is affordable compared to other tourist destinations in Mexico. Accommodation and food can be found at reasonable prices.

What is Oaxaca Famous for?

Oaxaca is known for its indigenous culture, mezcal, vibrant festivals, and incredible cuisine. Oaxaca is famous for being one of the best places to spend Day of the Dead.

Do They Speak English in Oaxaca?

Spanish is the main language, but some people in hotels and tourist areas speak English. Learning a few Spanish phrases will be helpful.

Do You Need a Visa for Oaxaca?

Many nationalities (including US, UK, and EU) can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. You should check visa requirements before traveling.

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca – 10 Best Things to Do for Día de los Muertos

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