Dance Plaza, Zócalo, and Historic Center
In the downtown area, there’s an event called “The Liveliest Festival of All,” which includes cultural and artistic activities. It generally takes place between October 30 and November 2.
One of the most anticipated events is the Magna Comparsa, a parade featuring groups from Oaxaca’s main neighborhoods. Music, calendas, fireworks, and color are some of the highlights.
The procession winds through the main streets of the Historic Center and ends at the Cultural and Convention Center. To close things off, a musical concert takes place in the Zócalo.
magna comparsa oaxacaPhoto: Carolina Jiménez Mariscal/Cuartoscuro
Every year there are different activities that you can check out on the Facebook page of the Secretariat of Culture and the Arts. However, the exhibition of monumental lime carpets is a recurring one. The exhibition is located in the Dance Plaza.
During these days, there is also an exhibition of offerings, facade decorations, a costume contest, plays, folkloric ballet, and gastronomy. Don’t miss out on trying the bread of the dead!
In the Central Valleys, the “Muerteada” (Dead of the Dead) is held, a theatrical performance that simulates the return of the dead. It takes in main streets and local homes; there is music, poetry, and more. It’s worth mentioning that this is a nighttime event.
You can’t leave without taking a photo among the marigold flowers. One of the most beautiful fields is the Feast of the Bees, which is decorated with marigolds of different colors. It also features allusive figures, such as catrinas and skulls.
The traditional “Alumbrada” (Lumbrada of the Dead), also known as “Velada” (Velada of the Dead), takes place here. This is a ritual at the Municipal Cemetery, where graves are illuminated with candles; families pray, worship, and sing to their deceased throughout the night.
This municipality commemorates the Day of the Dead with a mural competition, the display of an altar of the dead on the municipal esplanade, and a festival with music and parades.
Source: cdmxsecreta
