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There have been a lot of questions about 2021’s Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico City. People are asking is there going to be a Day of Dead in Mexico City at all? Well, I’m here to tell you that yes, the city has opened back up enough that there will be Day of the Dead events this year — finally.
I am often so busy doing tours during Day of the Dead in Mexico City that I’m too exhausted to really enjoy the fun, but this year I’ve decided will be different. I plan to head out to the Day of the Dead celebration in Mixquic and wander around downtown to see the local altars put up by shop owners and residents. I want to soak it all in after two years of Covid putting a real f*cking damper on Day of the Dead in Mexico.
So, my lovely readers, here goes. Here are a list of Mexico City Day of the Dead Events that will lift your spirits, get you in touch with your inner catrina, and give you a chance to hear voices from beyond the grave.
Centro Historico Day of the Dead Altars
From October 19th to November 2nd is the Altars and Flower Arrangements contest downtown where local businesses and associations compete to create the most beautiful, most elaborate altars for Day of the Dead. You will see most set up in local plazas, of which there is at least one in every neighborhood. Winners can snag trips around the country for free, but really it’s us visitors who get to have all the fun. Again, I have yet to see a map or route information for the altars contest and I will update this page as I get information so check back.
Interactive Day of the Dead Altar in Plaza Tolsá
This is a special altar set up this year where locals can bring photos and items for loved ones that have died from Covid-19. I imagine it will be heartbreaking but beautiful, like most altars I have seen to the recently departed.
Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade
While not a traditional part of the holiday (come on now, you guys know this was inspired by the Spectre James Bond movie right?), the Dia de Muertos parade has fast become one of the city’s favorite ways to celebrate the holiday. Paraders dress up in super elaborate costumes, lots of skeletons and catrinas, and promenade down Reforma Avenue to the central city square — the Zocalo. The parade will take place on Sunday, October 31st this year, according to officials it will begin at 12pm in the Zocalo and continue for 8.7 kilometers to Campo Marte just past the Auditorio Nacional in Polanco. Participants will be required to wear face masks and are supposed to walk in groups no more than 40 people at a time. We’ll see how that works out!
Mixquic in Mexico City
San Andrés Míxquic is one of the seven original neighborhoods of the Tláhuac borough and each year thousands (dare I say millions?) of visitors from within Mexico City and beyond come to Mixquic for Day of the Dead. This neighborhood hosts a very traditional Dia de los Muertos celebration, with flower arrangements, altars and decorated gravesites. I have never been before because I didn’t want to deal with the crowds, but this year with the pandemic still lingering in everyone’s minds I think I will don my mask and head over.
Pan de Muerto Festival
As far as I know this is a new Dia de Muertos event this year and it sounds delicious to me. From the 21st to the 24th of October, the Festival de Pan de Muerto y Chocolate will be happening in the Estado de Mexico here. According to what is out there, pan de muerto, chocolate, coffee and mezcal are just a few of the goodies for sale at the festival. Looks like @bazarista.mx is putting on the festival so follow them for more info.
Jamaica Market
I started doing tours to the Jamaica market every day for Day of the Dead mostly because of these guys that have a makeshift pan de muerto bakery outside that I absolutely can’t get enough of. Additionally the market is at its most beautiful moment of the year, overflowing with marigolds, cockscomb and nubes flowers that just overflow the aisles and turn everything into a Dia de Muertos rainbow. The market also serves up great food and has a never-ending supply of candies, papel picado flags and other items for your altar. Come on a tour with me and see Day of the Dead in all its glory!
Day of the Dead in Xochimilco
Xochimilco, once a small town surrounding the watery edges of the city, continues to maintain its homespun feel even though it’s now a teeming neighborhood swallowed into the urbanscape. During Day of the Dead there are several shows that take place on the water to honor the holiday. The Retorno al Mictlán is one, a dance, theater and musical show that include pan de muerto and cafe for participants. Check out their facebook page for hours, prices and where to get on board. There is also La Catrina en Trajinera, a theatrical show that features famous Mexican actors, singers and artists from yesteryear. Or for more ghost stories, see the El Nahual legend show.
Tim Burton Festival
While this is decided a more Halloweeny kind of event, I wanted to include it because it looks fun and Mexico City Halloween events and Day of the Dead events often go hand in hand. From October 8 to November 6th at the Exconvento de Jesús María (La Casa Franciscana ), on Jesús María street # 42, Colonia Centro, there will be an interactive exhibition dedicated to Burton and all his creepy glory. People can come dressed as their favorite Burton characters, visit the Willy Wonka factory, get married in the style of Emily and Victor in the Corpse Bride or just simply geek out on all things Burton. On October 8th there will be an all-night outdoor camping and Tim Burton movie marathon that you can participate it, but it’s limited because of Covid so sign up now. Follow these guys for more info on the events.
Always remember that Day of the Dead, while super fun and entertaining, is not just a rowdy party, but a serious holiday for most people, who use it to honor and commune with their departed love ones. i.e. Have some respect, don’t be a tourist.
Other random things to do during Dia de Muertos?
There is a night dedicated to Mexico’s lovable ajolote at the Axolotitlán Museo del Ajolote that includes food, film, a bazaar and lots of ajolote-themed Day of the Dead stuff.
@MexCityStreets
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