Signature Mexico: Day of the Dead

Transfer to your hotel in the historic centre of Mexico’s storied capital.

Mexico City has evolved over the centuries into a modern day metropolis from its founding as the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán in the 14th century. A history of agricultural cultivation, religious ritual, and warring tribes took a seismic turn with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores and the development of the city was fuelled by silver mining. This is all reflected in the cultural vestiges apparent all over the modern day city which you will glimpse during your guided walking tour.

Visit the Mercado de Jamaica, to the east of downtown. Mexico City’s most important flower market is an aromatic spot to watch the buying and selling of blooms and other crafts to mark the Day of the Dead. In the days running up to this important occasion spectacular floral displays arrive at market by the truckload, making Jamaica an essential stop during this period. You’ll explore the market accompanied by a guide and small group, accompanied by not only by the fragrance of freshly cut flowers but also the aroma of tasty snacks being prepared to entice local shoppers sure to make stomachs rumble, even just after breakfast (Mexicans love to eat during the morning). You’ll be able to sample some of these during the tour if you are feeling peckish.

Preparations for the Day of the Dead festivities around Mexico City will already be underway.  You can expect things to be very busy out and about. Today is free to explore on your own. If considering an optional excursion we advise you to arrange this with us at the time of booking.

Our tours of Mexico City typically includes the vast main square (Zócalo) including Aztec Templo Mayor and the 16th century Metropolitan cathedral. You may spend the rest of the day exploring independently, or consider an optional excursion the magnificent Museum of Anthropology. In our view this is one of the continent’s best museums, with presentations representing different regions, each featuring exhibits manifesting society in pre-Hispanic history and the colonial period as well as showing how life is lived in contemporary Mexico.

Other possibilities include the magnificent pyramids at Teotihuacan, which dates from the time of Christ and was once one of the largest cities in the world. Teotihuacán is hugely influential in the historic narrative of modern Mexico and, although it had already been abandoned by the time of the Aztecs, even this great empire held it in awe. Soak up the history as you stroll along the imposing Avenue of the Dead, leading to the vast Pyramid of the Sun, and take the opportunity to climb its vertiginous, ancient steps for a panorama of the ruins and the surrounding countryside.

Alternatively a visit to the ‘floating gardens’ of Xochimilco, a network of canals lined by fruit and flower gardens and markets, can be great fun – as residents of Mexico City flock to be transported in one of the colourful gondolas where they are serenaded by a mariachi band. You too will have the opportunity to glide through the canals at a lazy pace on one of these ‘trajineras’. Xochimilco was once connected to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) and was where they grew much of their food. Combined with a visit to Coyoacan and the Frida Kahlo Museum this is a great day out.

Transfer to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. This magnetic city is at the heart of the state of Oaxaca, where the Day of the Dead is marked with a heady combination of solemnity and joy. Stay at a simple hotel closed to the city centre for the next four nights.

Preparations for Day of the Dead celebrations should be well under way by  today. The afternoon is yours to wander through Oaxaca, observing the festivities as you please.

Walking through Oaxaca during the Day of the Dead is a sensational, if full-on, experience. From the early hours of the day, the air smells of copal and freshly baked bread. Stroll through the streets of the colonial city centre, admiring the Cathedral with its attractive baroque façade and the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, a church with a breathtaking interior that dazzles with gold ornaments. Explore the colourful markets, which are a feast for the eyes during these days and soak up the bustling atmosphere of the Zócalo, the city’s main square.

The streets are dressed in colour: the intense orange of the cempasúchil guides the way like a river of petals, while altars sprout in corners and courtyards, laden with photographs, lit candles and everyday objects that tell stories of love and absence. There is no heavy sadness, but rather a sweet nostalgia, a deep sense of reunion. The city will be very busy: expect crowds and last-minute changes of direction.

At the energetic Day of the Dead tiangus at the Abastos Market. In an open-air bazaar you’ll browse the stalls piled high with Day of the Dead ornaments and decorations including colourful strings of beads, bunches of vibrant marigolds and the iconic illustrated sugar skulls. Watch families buying decorations to adorn their home altars in tribute to their loved ones.

Visit Zaachila, six kilometres from the city of Oaxaca. In the pre-Columbian era, it was the main city-state for the Valley of Oaxaca after the fall of Monte Albán. A deeply traditional town, it has preserved its indigenous music, dance and gastronomy. The town is well known for its open air market on Thursdays, which occupies most of the town centre and which is little changed since pre-Hispanic times. The town will be preparing for the Day of the Dead, capitalising on the murals which adorn the walls, many of which are Day of the Dead related. You’ll get to see the main square which features a simply decorated Spanish-style church, tombs of the Mixtec culture which dominated the region after the fall of Monte Alban. You’ll also be taken to one of the local day of the Dead altars.

In the late evening head off to the village of Xoxocotlán, one of the oldest towns in the Valley of Oaxaca. The Xoxo cemetery, a short drive outside of town, is one of the most important sites of the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. Families gather to sit alongside the tombs of their loved ones, and the atmosphere is one of a solemn and dignified vigil combined with joyous remembrance. The decorations in the old cemetery include marigolds, candles, and copal incense. An abundance of flowers decorates the graveyard where the people of Xoxocotlán hold a vigil by candlelight at the decorated tombs. Return to Oaxaca and overnight.

During the Day of the Dead, the neighbourhoods of Xochimilco and Jalatlaco are transformed into scenes full of symbolism, colour and tradition, each with its own distinct personality. Xochimilco, north of the city centre, is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Oaxaca and during the Day of the Dead it takes on a solemn, spiritual, and communal atmosphere. Its cobbled streets are filled with the aroma of copal, cempasuchil and pan de muerto. Houses and altars are decorated with flowers, candles and papel picado, maintaining a more traditional and respectful aesthetic. Jalatlaco, in the eats of the city, offers a more colourful, artistic, and festive experience. Known for its young and bohemian spirit, during the Day of the Dead its streets are filled with art installations, sand carpets, temporary murals, and decorated skulls. Although it retains the traditional elements — altars, offerings, and flowers — Jalatlaco stands out for its more creative and contemporary approach, blending tradition with modern expressions.

As festivities roll into their final day you are will have free time to soak up the atmosphere in Oaxaca. Although the Day of the Dead festivities span several days, 2nd November is the most important day for Mexicans to spend time in the cemeteries or at home with their families. Spend the day exploring independently. However, we can organise an optional side trip to Monte Alban, perhaps the most significant archaeological site of the region.

During the Day of the Dead celebrations, hundreds of families gather in cemeteries throughout the Oaxaca region. On this solemn occasion, people clean, decorate, and pray at the graves of their deceased loved ones. Keeping vigil in the cemeteries during these days is a deeply rooted family commitment, as it is believed that neglecting this tradition would sadden the spirits. During the evening we’ll visit a cemetery 10 km from the city, to witness these meaningful celebrations.

It’s time to continue your journey, with a transfer to the airport for your flight back to Mexico City.