The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Mexico's Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)

Craftmanship tour: Visit three artisan villages where families prepare for the season with crafts deeply connected to this tradition—from vibrant alebrijes, often placed on ofrendas to guide spirits, to intricate textiles woven with symbolic motifs to the timeless beauty of black clay pottery used in altars and rituals. It’s a chance to understand how centuries-old traditions live on through Día de Muertos, blending artistry, spirituality, and heritage.

A Celebration of Día de Muertos at the cemetery: Take a private guided visit to the cemetery, where families gather at the graves of their loved ones, transforming the cemetery into a vibrant space of remembrance, celebration, and love. On the night of Día de Muertos, the cemetery becomes a sacred meeting place between the living and the dead. Graves are adorned with candles, marigolds, and offerings of food, drinks, and personal mementos.

Candles tour: Visit a wax candle workshop, where skilled artisans handcraft the colorful, ornate candles that illuminate ofrendas and cemeteries during the celebration.

Mezcal experience: Immerse yourself in the world of mezcal with a visit to a traditional agave field and enjoy a guided tasting of traditional mezcals enriched with a group meal inspired by Día de Muertos.

Private tour of ofrendas in Coyoacán: During the tour, you’ll discover the fascinating stories behind these altars, learn about the symbolism of the elements used, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Coyoacán.

Desfile de Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead Parade): This is a new tradition for Mexicans, after the release of the film James Bond 007: Spectre. It is a unique experience where you'll see comparsas, giant figures, floats, and much more while enjoying the music.

Almú Tilcajete: Nestled 45 minutes south of Oaxaca City in San Martín Tilcajete, Almú offers an unforgettable rustic dining experience in a greenhouse-style open-air kitchen surrounded by lush flora and handmade pottery. Traditional flavors are brought to life over a wood-fired stove. Delight in generous plates of tlayudas, crispy memelas, hearty enmoladas, and lively tableside salsas that elevate each bite. Almú is a Michelin Guide–recommended gem.

CRUDO: An intimate omakase journey where Chef Ricardo Arellano masterfully combines seasonal Oaxacan ingredients with Japanese culinary traditions. Each dish is crafted with precision, highlighting the freshness and depth of local flavors while embracing the elegance of Japanese technique.

Contramar: Contramar is the go-to spot for fresh, flavorful, and perfectly executed seafood. The coastal-inspired menu, led by chef Gabriela Cámara, highlights pristine ingredients and bold flavors, with standouts like the legendary tuna tostadas, the perfectly grilled pescado a la talla, and the freshest ceviches.