A trip to Mexico City is always a good idea, but it is especially unique during the fascinating celebration of Day of the Dead. A city full of cultural activities, museums, restaurants and events, Mexico City goes all out by hosting an annual parade, special performances in the Zocalo and in Xochimilco, and opens it's cemeteries for families to honor their loved ones by creating special ofrendas on Nov 2nd. This article includes some of the recommended activities you should not miss if you plan on partaking on this holiday in 2022.
What is the Day of the Dead celebration?
Day of the Dead is a special holiday and beautiful custom that is celebrated throughout Mexico. Known locally as Día de Muertos, this annual tradition is to remember and honor deceased family members. The belief is that during this time the dead come closer to the land of the living and so families across the country prepare special offerings (called ofrendas) to welcome their ancestors. The celebrations begin Saturday, Oct 22 and span through Saturday, Nov 5.
Top 3 things to do during Dia de Muertos:
1) Experience the Legend of La Llorona in Xochimilco canals
All around the community of Xochimilco are the Unesco-listed canals that were dug out by the Aztecs. It’s a unique waterway that attracts people year-round to ride around on the colorful gondola-like boats called “trajineras.”
Yet as part of the Day of the Dead events in Mexico City, you can embark on a special night boat ride through the canals! It’s a Day of the Dead activity that’s been taking place in Mexico City for over 25 years now, called “La Llorona en Xochimilco.”
For more information and for tickets to this event, visit their site here.
2) Taste Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) from a local bakery
Pan de Muerto is a fluffy sweet bread that is made for Day of the Dead. It is believed that ancestors work an appetite as they make their way to the land of the living and therefore it is custom to add this sweet bread on the ofrenda tables. The shapes baked on the bread are meant to symbolize bones, representing the deceased. There are different variations of Pan de Muerto, as some are topped with sesame seeds and others contain a filling.These are typically found all round the city in food markets and cafes, but especially at local bakeries. These are three bakeries I recommend visiting to get a taste of this delicious treat:
Pasteleria Ideal in Centro.
Pandaria Rosetta in Roma.
Pasteleria Suiza in Roma.
3) Visit the Panteon de Dolores on Day of the Dead
Part of the celebrations on Day of the Dead include family gatherings around cemeteries where people gather around their family graveyards and decorate them with fresh flowers, light up candles, and bring their deceased's favorite foods and beverages. Although the most famous cemetery for Day of the Dead is the Mixquic Cemetery, it is located 2 hours away from Mexico City and can get extremely packed. Instead, I recommend visiting Panteon de Dolores, the largest cemetery in Mexico City where many famous people like Diego Rivera are burried.
Note: Entrance to cemeteries are free of charge.
Remember that this is a very important holiday for Mexico (the 4th largest of the year) and so expect the city to be bustling with activities beyond the once I mentioned. Booking events in advance is highly recommended.