Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most iconic destinations for the Day of the Dead. Every corner is filled with color, music, and tradition: the streets smell of copal, marigold flowers fill the altars, and life coexists with death in a celebration that is as festive as it is spiritual.
If you plan to visit the city, here are four must-see experiences to enjoy this season to the fullest:
Walk through the cemeteries lit by candles and music
Oaxacan cemeteries, especially those of Xoxocotlán and Santa Cruz Amilpas, are transformed during this time. Families gather to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away, decorating the graves with flowers, bread, mezcal, and photographs. Visit them with respect and let yourself be enveloped by the magical atmosphere of the night: the sound of guitars, laughter, and the glow of thousands of lit candles.
Cemeteries
There’s no better way to honor tradition than with a bite of freshly baked Day of the Dead bread and a cup of hot chocolate. In downtown Oaxaca, you’ll find traditional bakeries and chocolate shops like, where you can try different versions of the classic bread, from the most traditional to contemporary reinterpretations with local touches.
Participate in comparsas and parades
During the last week of October and the first few days of November, the streets fill with comparsas: popular parades where music, costumes, giant skulls, and masks parade through the neighborhoods with rhythm and joy. Join them—especially in the Jalatlaco or Xochimilco neighborhoods—paint your face as a catrina and celebrate Oaxacan style.
Visit a traditional home or workshop
Many homes open their doors to show off their altars and share offerings, while artisan workshops offer demonstrations of engraving, pottery, and papel picado. This year, Casa Arrona, a contemporary guesthouse in the heart of Oaxaca, will present a special Day of the Dead-inspired décor, where tradition and design intertwine in a single space. Visitors will be able to tour the property, admire the floral details and offerings, and enjoy an atmosphere that celebrates the memory and beauty of the season.
Casa Arrona is located on the quiet alley of Boca del Monte, in the Historic Center, and will be open to those who wish to experience this artistic and cultural experience during the celebrations.
Source: sinembargo
