Día De Los Muertos (Day of The Dead) in Oaxaca

Muertos - A Celebration of Life, Memory, and Culture

As October draws to a close and the air cools, the streets of Oaxaca, Mexico, transform into a vibrant canvas of color, music, and tradition. Last year, we had the incredible opportunity to experience Día de los Muertos firsthand in Oaxaca, an experience that has left a lasting impression on our hearts.

A Festival of Life and Memory

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is more than just a Mexican holiday—it’s a deeply rooted cultural celebration that honours the lives of loved ones who have passed. While many may have encountered the festival through films like Disney-Pixar's Coco or Spectre from the James Bond series, there is no substitute for experiencing it in person. Interestingly, the Day of the Dead parade in Spectre was fictional, but it inspired Mexico City to start hosting an annual parade.

In Oaxaca, the significance of Muertos goes beyond the festivities—it's a time when families come together to welcome the spirits of their ancestors back into the world of the living. They prepare ofrendas, elaborate altars adorned with photographs, candles, marigolds (locally known as cempasúchil), and favorite foods of the departed. The marigolds, with their bright color and strong fragrance, are believed to guide the spirits back to their homes. Pathways of petals are often laid from the doorstep to the altar, creating a symbolic passage for the souls to follow.

The Living and the Dead: A Reunion

During these sacred days, the veil between the living and the dead becomes thin, and families gather to celebrate their ancestors. One of the most touching traditions we observed was the preparation of favourite meals and drinks for the souls, with the belief that they partake in the essence of these offerings. The smell of freshly baked pan de muerto, a special sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped designs, fills the air, a symbolic treat that reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and death.

Visiting cemeteries is another essential part of the celebration. These spaces, far from sombre or sad, are filled with laughter, music, and the warm glow of candlelight. Families gather around graves, telling stories, singing, and enjoying each other's company as they honour the departed. Mezcal flows freely, games are played, and the atmosphere is filled with love and remembrance.

The Pulse of Oaxaca

From morning until late into the night, the streets of Oaxaca are alive with energy. Parades weave through the town, with participants dressed as elegantly macabre Catrinas, their faces painted in intricate skull designs, paying homage to both life and death. The air is thick with music, the sound of firecrackers, and the rhythm of celebration.

Staying in the heart of the city during this time means one thing—you’re unlikely to get much sleep, but it's all part of the magic.

A Feast for the Senses

Oaxaca is a culinary wonderland, and during Día de los Muertos, the food plays a key role in the celebration. We indulged in pan de muerto, its soft texture and subtle orange blossom flavor a daily treat. Street vendors offered Oaxacan specialities like tamales wrapped in banana leaves, rich mole negro with its blend of spices and chocolate, and steaming cups of atole, a traditional drink perfect for the cool evenings. And, of course, there was no shortage of mezcal to warm the soul.

A Global Gathering

Oaxaca attracts visitors from all over the world during Muertos. The streets were buzzing with tourists and locals alike, all united in the celebration. Despite the crowds and the flowing mezcal, the atmosphere remained joyful and harmonious. Families, including children and grandparents, strolled through the streets late into the night, creating a sense of unity and respect that was truly heartwarming.

Until Next Time

Our adventure in Oaxaca during Día de los Muertos was nothing short of transformative. It reminded us why we travel—to connect with different cultures, witness the extraordinary, and keep our hearts and soles hungry for more.

Common Questions about Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

When is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd. November 1st is traditionally dedicated to honouring children and infants (known as Día de los Inocentes), while November 2nd is for remembering adults who have passed away.

What is the significance of the Día de los Muertos skull?

The skull, or calavera, is a key symbol of Día de los Muertos, representing death and rebirth. Often made of sugar and decorated brightly, sugar skulls are placed on altars and used as face-painting designs to honour the dead joyfully.

What is a Día de los Muertos altar?

A Día de los Muertos altar, or altar de muertos, is an important part of the celebration. It is a home altar decorated with photos of deceased loved ones, candles, marigold flowers, personal mementoes, and offerings like food and drinks. These altars are meant to guide the spirits back to the living world to reunite with their families.

What flowers are used during Día de los Muertos?

The primary flower used during Día de los Muertos is the marigold, known in Spanish as cempasúchil. Its bright color and strong fragrance are believed to guide the souls of the deceased back to the world of the living. Marigolds are often used to decorate altars and graves.

What are Día de los Muertos costumes?

Día de los Muertos costumes often involve dressing up as La Catrina, a skeletal figure dressed in elegant attire. People wear traditional Mexican clothing along with elaborate face paint resembling skulls, celebrating the duality of life and death in a festive way.

How is Día de los Muertos makeup done?

Día de los Muertos makeup typically features skull or calavera designs. The face is painted white with intricate black lines to represent the skeletal structure, while colourful designs and floral patterns are added to make the look vibrant and festive. The makeup celebrates death as part of life, reflecting the joyful remembrance of the departed.

There are hundreds of make-up stands all around the streets of Oaxaca.

What food is eaten during Día de los Muertos?

Traditional foods associated with Día de los Muertos include pan de muerto (a sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped designs), tamales, mole, and atole (a warm, corn-based drink). These foods are often placed on altars as offerings to the spirits, who are believed to partake in the essence of the meal.