Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in Mexico during Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead? If you’re unfamiliar with this holiday, it’s a deeply rooted tradition in Mexico that takes place on November 1st and 2nd. While it coincides with Halloween, it is a separate celebration that stems from Hispanic, Mexican, and Spanish Roman Catholic traditions. The holiday is meant to honor and welcome back the souls of departed loved ones, and the entire country comes alive with festivities, altars, and vibrant decorations.
In Mexico City, the celebrations are grand, featuring an enormous parade where people dress up, paint their faces as calaveras (sugar skulls), and make offerings (ofrendas) to honor their ancestors. The streets are filled with orange marigolds, creating a breathtaking display of color and tradition.
My Trip to Mexico City
I had always wanted to experience Día de los Muertos in Mexico City, and in 2024, I finally got the chance! My uncle lives there for work, so my brother and I planned a trip, leaving on October 30th. We were both thrilled to not only celebrate Día de los Muertos but also spend Halloween in Mexico City.
When we arrived, our uncle greeted us with a welcome drink, which was such a warm gesture. We then visited his workplace and had lunch together before he returned to work. Later that evening, he took us on a food tour to explore different local dishes. We found a delicious spot with incredible food and drinks, and we spent the night sharing great conversations. That was just the first night!
Exploring Mexico City
The next day, my brother and I visited Palacio de Bellas Artes, where we learned about various artists and admired the stunning architecture of the building. We then walked to an old bank called Cuauhtémoc-Centro, where we saw the staircase featured in the Disney movie Coco. From there, we explored the bank’s museum, which included a fascinating tour of the cellar, where we learned about the money-making process.
Later that evening, we returned to our uncle’s apartment and then went out to dinner at Amanal, a restaurant where they prepare food as part of a live show. It was an incredible experience—one I had never seen before.
A Deeper Dive into the Culture
On Friday, we visited Gustavo A. Madero, an area known for its historic churches. We took a private tour, where our guides provided us with water, took our pictures, and even informed us about the upcoming Día de los Muertos parade, including the best time and place to see it.
That evening, after our uncle got off work, he took us to his favorite hole-in-the-wall spot for dinner. The food and drinks were amazing—we still talk about it to this day! Later that night, we went bar-hopping in Mexico City, and it turned out to be one of my favorite memories from the trip.
The Grand Finale
On Saturday, we woke up early to visit the Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacán, home to the famous Sun and Moon Pyramids. Seeing these ancient structures in person was surreal. To top off the experience, we dined in a cave, where the restaurant had beautifully decorated altars for Día de los Muertos. Later that night, we went out to celebrate in Roma, enjoying more of Mexico City’s vibrant nightlife.
Final Thoughts
Spending time with my uncle and brother in a different country was an unforgettable experience. Mexico City during Día de los Muertos and Halloween is truly magical—the culture, the food, the celebrations, and the traditions make it a must-visit destination. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend experiencing Mexico City during this time. It’s a trip filled with history, beauty, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Sessi. Dancing Corners 