Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 – An Extraordinary Celebration

Dia de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a fantastic holiday in Mexico, for prayer and remembrance of those that have died. The celebration of Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 is best celebrated in Mexico City, where you will find the largest celebration by far. If you are thinking about visiting Mexico City, traveling during the Day of the Dead festival is an absolutely amazing time to learn about the culture, the holiday, and partake in the celebrations!

 

Day of the Dead Mexico 2020 Face Painting The Next Trip

 

Make sure you check out our top 5 tips on how to celebrate Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 at the end of this post!

 

Disclaimer:  This blog post contains affiliate links.  Meaning that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission should you click on our links and make a purchase for when you plan your trip to the Day of the Dead Mexico 2023. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support us!

 

What is Day of the Dead?

 

Perhaps it is first best to clarify what Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos is not. It is not Halloween, or the Mexican version of Halloween, but is its own unique celebration where the souls of the departed celebrate together with their families. While that may seem unusual to some cultures, in Mexico death is viewed as a natural part of the human life cycle and is not something to be feared.

 

Bettina and Kyle with Day of the Dead Face Painting Mexico City

 

The primary day of celebration is November 2nd however there are various celebrations that occur on the days leading up to that day, and many remain for the days after. October 31st is the eve of Dia de Muertos, and is also known as the Night of the Witches.  November 1st is the Day of the Innocents, which commemorates deceased children, and finally November 2nd is the actual Day of the Dead.

Families build private altars, called ofrendas, to honor the deceased, using skulls, photographs, marigold flowers, and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. The bright color and strong scent of the marigolds are used to attract the souls of the dead and guide them from the cemetery to their family homes.

 

Public Ofrendas for Day of the Dead Mexico City

 

Public Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos Mexico City

 

There generally are many ofrenda all over the city, primarily in the many public squares of Mexico City, but also in private homes, museums, and even shopping malls. The biggest by far is in Zocalo Square.

 

Plaza de la Constitucion for Dia de los Muertos at Night Mexico City

 

The Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City

 

In Mexico City, there is typically a parade held with many large floats, decorations, music, and people dressed up to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Do your research well before you book your flights though, as the Day of the Dead parade may not be scheduled on the actual Day of the Dead and can vary by up to a week as it will generally be scheduled on the Saturday before November 2nd.

 

Day of the Dead Parade Mexico City

 

The official announcement from the Mexico City Ministry of Culture for Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 shows that the main parade is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

 

Skeleton at Day of the Dead Parade Mexico City

 

Skeleton Float at Day of the Dead Parade Mexico City

 

Fun fact: the parade is not actually part of the historical tradition of the holiday, and was instead instituted by Mexico City a year after the fictional portrayal of a Day of the Dead parade in the opening sequence of the James Bond film, Spectre. The film was so popular that the city decided to start a parade, which has been immensely popular ever since.

 

How to Participate in Day of the Dead Mexico 2023

 

Attending the large parade is the primary way to experience Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 as a tourist. However, you will not be alone as the event draws a couple hundred thousand visitors to the city each year! The parade route is primarily along Reforma Avenue from Chapultepec Park, before turning to go by the Palacio de Bellas Artes and finish at Zocalo Square.

 

Plaza de la Constitucion during Day of the Dead Parade Mexico City

 

Before you watch the parade though, be sure to have your face painted with some Dia de Muertos makeup! The most popular calavera, or skull, is La Calavera Catrina, which has become an icon of Dia de Muertos. The face painting of Dia de Muertos is not intended to be scary, but respectful.

 

Kyle getting Face Painting at Day of the Dead in Mexico City

 

We found countless face painting artists on Avenida Francisco I Madero on the morning of the parade. Be sure to go early though as we waited 1.5 hours at around 10:30AM to have ours painted. The wait was absolutely worth it as we loved our painting! We paid around $10 USD for both of us.

 

Bettina with Day of the Dead Face Painting Mexico City

 

Once your face is painted, find a spot on the parade route to watch!

There is really no set agenda of festivities and events for Dia de Muertos, and it is all about the overall experience. Visit local markets, cemeteries, public performances and more to get the full experience. Take them all in, and most importantly, be respectful.

 

Drummer at Day of the Dead Parade Mexico City

 

Drummers at Day of the Dead Parade Mexico City

 

Where to Stay in Mexico City

 

Mexico City is huge, which results in many hotels, spread all across the city. The simplest and easiest place to stay is in the historic center. This will allow you to walk to most of the main sights in the city, or easily take the metro. Other nearby neighborhoods such as Zona Rosa or La Condesa are also great places to stay, depending on what your top interests are.

A few of our favorite hotels in Mexico City are the Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City as a great budget hotel, the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico for impressive views in the historic center, and the Sofitel Mexico City for modern amenities and towering views over the city. Check for availability during your stay in Mexico City!

Places to Eat in Mexico City

 

Since you’re in Mexico City for Dia de Muertos you should definitely be trying Pan de Muerto! This is the ‘Bread of the Dead’ baked specifically for Dia de Muertos, and is a soft sweet bread, usually with cross bones shaped on top. It is light and delicious, and you can also get it filled with chocolate, cream, or other toppings. We recommend getting your fill at Pasteleria Madrid which is a huge bakery right in the Centro Historico district. While you are there, have your fill of all of the other delicious breads, sweets, and pastries!

 

Pasteleria Madrid in Mexico City

 

Pan de Muerto in Mexico City

 

Tacos.  We really don’t have to say much here other than you absolutely must try some! Search out somewhere abuzz with locals to get the most authentic experience. Make sure you also try one of the most popular drinks in Mexico with your tacos: a Michelada. It's a beer-based cocktail, made with tomato juice or clamato, lime, and salt. This combination might sound very interesting on paper but trust us - it is absolutely delicious!

 

Bettina pouring a Michelada in taqueria in Mexico City

 

While by no means did we try tacos everywhere, we can definitely recommend a few places:

 

  • If you’re on the go in Centro Historico, try Tacos de Canasta El Flaco (there was no menu and we had no idea what we ordered or what we ate, but they were delicious!).

 

Bettina with Tacos from Street Vendor in Mexico City

 

  • If you are looking for somewhere super casual to sit down and try a bunch of Mexican dishes near Palacio de Bella Artes, try El Rincón Tapatío Bar.

 

Kyle at El Rincón Tapatío Bar Mexico City

 

  • If you are hanging out in Polanco among the rich and famous, try Taquería El Turix for some incredible and cheap tacos and panuchos. We also had Tacos Don Juan highly recommend to us, but unfortunately didn’t get a chance to try it!

 

Tacos at Taqueria el Turix in Mexico City

 

Other Places to Visit in Mexico City

 

While you’re in Mexico City for Day of the Dead Mexico 2023, you might as well take in a few other sites of the city that are not related to the famous holiday. Our best suggestion is to put on your best pair of walking shoes and hit the streets!

We put together a map of our favorite spots around the city to help you plan your trip!

Admire Palacio de Bella Artes

 

The Palacio de Bella Artes is one of our favorite buildings in Mexico City due to its stunning beauty! If you want an even more impressive view, walk across the street to the Sears building and head on up to their eighth-floor café for an unobstructed view.

Location: Palacio de Bella Artes

 

Palacio de Bella Artes Mexico City

 

Palacio de Bella Artes from Sears Building Cafe Mexico City

 

Visit the Mexican National Museum of Anthropology

 

The Mexican National Museum of Anthropology is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. The museum is big and has an impressive collection. If you want to learn about the extensive history of Mexico prior to the arrival of Europeans, you could easily spend a couple hours here.

Location: Mexican National Museum of Anthropology

 

Mexican National Museum of Anthropology Mexico City

 

Mexican National Museum of Anthropology Mexico City

 

Relax at Chapultepec Park

 

Right next to the museum is the Chapultepec Park, which can be a great place to get back in touch with nature or visit a castle! You can easily spend a few hours here exploring the park, strolling along the Chapultepec Lake, grabbing a snack, and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon. They even have a Canadian totem pole, which of course we had to snap a photo of!

Location: Chapultepec Park

 

Snack Stand in Chapultepec Park Mexico City

 

Canadian Totem Pole at Chapultepec Park Mexico City

 

Explore La Condesa

 

Possibly our favorite neighborhood of Mexico City is La Condesa. This cute part of the city has an incredibly European feel and is buzzing with life, full of hip cafes, independent boutiques, and casual taquerias on every corner. Spend half a day wandering the tree-lined streets, having coffee, and browsing the latest trends.

Location: La Condesa

 

Tree Lined Streets in La Condesa Mexico City

 

Go Back in History at The Blue House Frida Kahlo Museum

 

One of the places you cannot miss out on while you're in Mexico City is visiting the former home of Frida Kahlo. It was turned into a museum in 1958, four years after her death, and is now also known as The Blue House. The Blue House is not just a standard gallery or museum, it also showcases private keepsakes of Frida Kahlo and gives you a glimpse into her universe. If you are looking to also see some of her favorite pieces, The Blue House features Long Live Life (1954), Frida and the Caesarian Operation (1931), and Portrait of My Father Wilhelm Kahlo (1952).

Location: The Blue House Frida Kahlo Museum

 

If you have more time in Mexico City, there are plenty of day-trips available to Puebla, Cholula, Teotihuacan, Xochimilco, Taxco, and more!

 

Is Mexico City Safe?

 

Yes. But like any large city, you have to be careful. We found walking around Mexico City no different than walking around Paris, Kuala Lumpur, or Chicago. That being said, we did some research beforehand on what areas to avoid, and practiced common sense such as not wearing flashy jewelry, keeping our wallet and phones in a secure pocket, and not wandering off the beaten path after dark. We spent most of our time in the districts of Centro Historico, Chapultepec, Polanco, La Condesa, and Zona Rosa, all of which felt safe and we had no problem walking all around and between them.

 

Kyle and Bettina at Mexico Mi Amor Mural in Mexico City

 

The Next Trip Top 5 Tips for Celebrating Day of the Dead Mexico 2023

 

1) Learn the History

Dia de Muertos is a beautiful holiday of celebration and honor of deceased friends and family. Make sure that you are well aware of the meaning of the holiday and respectful to everyone! It was recommended to us to watch the Disney movie Coco prior to going to Mexico City and we can’t recommend it enough! Besides being an entertaining movie, it does an excellent job of accurately explaining and portraying the holiday. Watching this movie prior to attending Dia de Muertos is an absolute must!

 

2) Get Some Dia de Muertos Face Paint

Get your face painted mid-morning on parade day before the long lines start. Also, it pays to do some online research beforehand if you want to have a specific look! Take a screenshot of your favorite look and show it to your face paint artist. Finally, a pro tip is to either bring or purchase some disposal makeup remover wipes for when you are ready to take the face paint off! It is a lot of color and would most definitely ruin your hotel or AirBnB towels.

 

3) Tacos!

It may seem a bit cliché to eat a bunch of tacos in Mexico City, but you absolutely should, and you should also forget about how you think a taco should taste. Tacos in Mexico are some of the best examples of a simple meal with simple ingredients, but prepared to perfection. We listed our favorite places above, but our best suggestion is to try the street food and small vendors, or anywhere you see the locals eating. Steer well clear of any tourist-oriented taco stand and try to find the authentic stuff!

 

4) Visit Local Markets

The local markets can be a fantastic way to lose yourself in a labyrinth of passageways, haggle for a good deal, or just pass the time. La Ciudadela is great spot for any souvenirs you desire.

 

5) Stay Safe

I know, I know, we just said that it was safe up above. However, that doesn’t mean that you couldn’t end up in danger. Mexico City can be incredibly safe or incredibly dangerous, depending on where you are, what you are doing, and what time of the day it is. Uber is a great way to get to and from the airport and around the city safely, and easy and cheap to use. Use your common sense and do some research beforehand, and have a fabulous time in Mexico City celebrating Day of the Dead Mexico 2023!

If you are looking for more safe travel destinations in Mexico, check out our guide on the safest places in Mexico to Visit.

 

White Skull with Red Mural Mexico City

 

Are You Planning to Celebrate the Day of the Dead Mexico 2023?

 

Are you planning to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico this year? We would love to hear from you and hear about your experience! Let us know if you have any questions or need help planning your trip!

 

Pin this post to your Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 Pinterest board to help you plan your trip to Mexico City or for inspiration to celebrate the holiday at home!

 

The ultimate guide to celebrating the Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 and traveling to Mexico City! All you need to know about the Day of the Dead parade, the history and culture behind the holiday, and where to find the best tacos in Mexico City! | Mexico City Guide | Mexico City Travel | Day of the Dead Guide | Dia de los Muertos Mexico City | Dia de los Muertos Altar | Day of the Dead Face Paint | Day of the Dead Costumes | Day of the Dead Ofrendas
The ultimate guide to celebrating the Day of the Dead Mexico 2023 and traveling to Mexico City! All you need to know about the Day of the Dead parade, the history and culture behind the holiday, and where to find the best tacos in Mexico City! | Mexico City Guide | Mexico City Travel | Day of the Dead Guide | Dia de los Muertos Mexico City | Dia de los Muertos Altar | Day of the Dead Face Paint | Day of the Dead Costumes | Day of the Dead Ofrendas

 

20 Comments:

  1. Wow this sounds amazing – and your photos are giving me serious wanderlust thanks for all the tips, I’ve saved for my future trips!!

  2. Oh experiencing this day is so so high on my bucket list! Your make-up looks amazing btw Bettina! 🙂

  3. Thanks for this fantastic post. Your photos are incredible! I would LOVE to live this one day…

  4. I’ve always wanted to participate in a Day of the Dead celebration. Your post made me live vicariously through you…i had a wonderful time, thanks hahaha!

  5. It looks like such a fun parade and a cool way to experience some Mexican culture. I reeeally love your face paint too. You must have had a blast taking photos like that! 😀

    It’s funny, after half a year in isolation, I can’t imagine it’ll go ahead for 2020…it’ll be interesting to see how it’ll work in future years,

  6. What an incredible experience! I love the face paintings and the photos in your dress are so fun! I would love to visit for Day of the Dead.

  7. This is such a beautiful tradition! I love the idea behind it and how colourful it is. I would love to get to Mexico City one day. The food itself looks incredible!

  8. I would love to experience this! For now, your recap will do, it sounds like such a great time! And your makeup is amazing!

  9. What an amazing celebration to take part in! It looks extraordinary and I love what you said about doing a little research to best understand the history and sentiment behind it. I’d love to visit Mexico and this looks like an exceptional time to do so.

  10. Wow this sounds like an incredible trip! Definitely going to add to my list of things to do once covid is “over” as I want to see the huge parade! Loved the face paintings!

  11. That must have been the most amazing experience! I love Mexico and this celebration! So unique! love how they painted your faces!

  12. Thank you for sharing this information about your experience in Mexico. I am planning to visit Mexico on November 2021 for the “Dia de Muertos” festivities and you info gave me an idea of what to do there. I love Mexico.

  13. This article was very good and well timed. I’m in Mexico City October 28th-31st for the formula 1 race. I was considering extending my stay for día del muertos when I realized the parade was Saturday the 30th. Definitely plan to go. I’ll be wearing a scull covid mask. I’m headed back to sayulita the 31st. We have a great celebration as well including band in the cemetery at midnight.

  14. isabel buckner

    How can I find out what day the day of the dead parade is in Mexico City 2022.

    • Hi Isabel, thank you for your comment! The official announcement of the parade date by Mexico City is usually in September, which makes planning difficult. The parade is typically held on the Saturday before Dia de Muertos, which would be October 29th this year, however this is just an educated guess. Hope that helps!

  15. Oh girl I soooo love that green dress!
    Thanks for the virtual tour. Amazing photos!

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