13 Events & Things to Do in Mexico City for Day of the Dead
Thinking of celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico City but don’t have a clue what to do beyond the Day of the Dead Parade?
I get it. Mexico City is huge, and there’s probably no other city with as much going on for Día de Muertos as CDMX.
With events starting in mid-October and continuing through the first couple of days of November, you can soak in the holiday spirit even if you’re not here for the exact Day of the Dead dates (November 1 & 2).
But with such a massive city and with so much going on, it’s hard to know where to start.
I’ve lived in Mexico City since 2018, and every year I check out as many Day of the Dead celebrations as I can.
I’ve gone to events with friends but also on my own, so whether you’re traveling in a group, with a partner, or solo, I know you’ll have an incredible time.
From parades down Reforma to glowing cemeteries, colorful ofrendas, and intimate cultural events in Xochimilco or Mercado de Jamaica, here are the best things to do in Mexico City for Day of the Dead.
1. Alebrijes Parade- 12pm October 18, 2025
The Alebrije Parade, organized by the Museo de Arte Popular, is one of the first official Day of the Dead events in Mexico City.
It kicks off in the Zocalo and ends along Paseo de la Reforma by the Ángel de la Independencia.
If you’ve seen Disney’s Coco, you’ll recognize these fantastical creatures—part dragon, part jaguar, part whatever the artist dreams up.
I love them and am always on the lookout for a cool mini one when we visit Pueblo Magicos on the weekends.
While the parade is bound to be a good time, I prefer to admire the life-size alebrijes once the parade is over and they’re on display along Reforma.
Take a walk after having dinner at Ling Ling and see the colorful sculptures lit up at night. That’s what we did last year – it’s magical!
And since you can find them along Paseo de la Reforma until November 9, you can still check them out even if you arrive in CDMX after the alebrije parade.
2. Cablebús Ride over Panteon de Dolores
Cablebús Line 3 runs across Chapultepec and passes directly over Panteón Civil de Dolores, the largest cemetery in Mexico.
I rode this cable car line in the summer, but during Day of the Dead, I’d expect to see the cemetery covered in marigolds and glowing candles from above.
It’s #1 on my list of things to do for Día de Muertos this year.
💡 Pro Tip: Ride at sunset or after dark for the best views, when the cemetery is illuminated and the city skyline is visible in the background.
3. Catrina Parade- 6:30pm October 26, 2025
The Catrina Parade starts at the Ángel de la Independencia and makes its way down Reforma to the Zócalo.
The Catrina is one of Mexico’s most iconic Day of the Dead symbols—a skeletal female figure in an elegant gown with elaborate face paint and flowers in her hair.
During the parade, you’ll see hundreds of people transformed into living Catrinas, from glamorous skeleton brides to whimsical, flower-crowned characters.
It’s a fun and very photogenic event, and if you want to join in, you can! Along the parade route, you’ll find spots to get your face painted like a Catrina or pick up a flower crown to wear.
4. Zocalo Ofrenda- October 25-November 2, 2025
Every year, the Zócalo transforms into a monumental Day of the Dead ofrenda, and it’s one of the most impressive sights of the season in Mexico City.
Sculptures and art pieces fill the square, designed by artists and cultural groups to celebrate tradition on a grand scale.
Unlike the intimate family altars you’ll see in homes, these are towering, larger-than-life creations with marigolds, candles, and elaborate symbolic details.
This year, the Mega Ofrenda will be dedicated to the 700th anniversary of the founding of Mexico-Tenochtitlan, with a special focus on pre-Hispanic traditions and culture.
It’s free and open to everyone, though the square can get crowded, especially the night of the Day of the Dead Parade.
Last year, I went the night of the big day of the dead parade and it was stupid crowded. This year, I’ll go the evening before.
It’s worth going later at night when everything is lit up and glowing against the backdrop of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
It’s probably my most favorite attraction on this list.
I was truly in awe of last year’s display and moved by how beautiful the illuminated sculptures looked towering over the crowds in the Zócalo.
10/10 recommend– you have to go!
5. Day of the Dead Parade- 2pm November 1, 2025
The Day of the Dead Parade (el Gran Desfile de Día de Muertos) is the main attraction and big Day of the Dead finale.
It’s a massive, colorful, and spectacular 4-hour event.
You’ll see everything from marigold-covered ofrendas to stilt walkers and marching bands, making it an incredible atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
It draws huge crowds (like 1 million+ people huge), so if you plan to go, get there at least an hour early to snag a good viewing spot along Reforma.
I’ve followed the parade from start to finish, from the Lion’s Gate at Chapultepec Park to the Zócalo, and if this is your first time, you should too (as long as you don’t mind a crowd).
But if you’re not one for being shoulder to shoulder with a million other strangers, you can do what I’ve done the past few years…
Head further down Reforma, closer to the Zócalo, where the parade ends in a big celebration.
That way, you’ll be one of the first to see the Mega Ofrenda in the Zócalo, without having to push your way through thousands of people like Jorge and I did last year.
6. Museums & Cultural Center Ofrendas
Museo de Arte Popular (MAP)
Known for organizing the Alebrije Parade, MAP also puts together some of the city’s most creative ofrendas. Expect bold colors, intricate folk art details, and a contemporary twist on tradition.
Frida Kahlo Museum
Casa Azul always has an intimate altar dedicated to Frida and Diego, decorated with the same personal touch you feel throughout the house. It’s a very special stop if you’re a fan of her work.
Museo Anahuacalli
Anahuacalli, Diego Rivera’s stone temple-like museum in Coyoacán hosts one of the most atmospheric ofrendas in the city, often incorporating pre-Hispanic themes that tie back to the building’s architecture.
Palacio de Cultura Citibanamex
This historic palace in the Centro Histórico regularly features a large-scale, detailed altar that’s free to visit and makes a great stop while exploring downtown.
UNAM
The campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico puts together huge displays and ofrendas, with students from different faculties contributing. It feels festive and community-driven, and it’s one of the most unique places to experience the tradition on a grand scale.
7. Mixquic Community
San Andrés Mixquic is the most popular spot in Mexico City if you want to experience a cemetery during Día de Muertos.
The town and cemetery fills with candles, marigolds, and families honoring their loved ones, creating a scene that feels straight out of Coco.
Mixquic draws massive crowds every year, and traffic to get in and out can be overwhelming.
On a normal day, it’s a 2-hour drive from the city center, so expect even more traffic for Day of the Dead.
Honestly, I haven’t gone myself because I don’t want to deal with hours of traffic or hordes of people, but if I do go one day, I’d definitely go with a tour.
Trying to figure out transportation on your own (Ubering there and back, especially late at night) would just be way too chaotic.
With a tour, you not only avoid the stress of logistics, but you’ll also have someone helping you understand the history and meaning of the rituals you’re witnessing.
8. Mercado Jamaica
Mercado Jamaica is the go-to spot in Mexico City for all things Day of the Dead decorations.
In the days leading up to November 1 and 2, the aisles fill with marigolds, papel picado, sugar skulls, candles, and everything else families need to build their ofrendas.
It’s busy, colorful, and very much a local experience.
Even if you’re not making your own altar, it’s worth walking through to see how central these traditions are to daily life. Just keep in mind it gets extremely crowded right before the holiday.
If you want to take this cultural experience to the next level, check out this special Day of the Dead tour. It includes a visit to Mercado Jamaica, a collaborative altar build, and a special dinner.
9. Xochimilco
Xochimilco’s canals are one of Mexico City’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, famous for their colorful boats and chinampas (floating gardens where food is still grown).
At night, you can see La Llorona, a theatrical show performed on the water, or, if you’d rather a food-focused experience, join the Día de Muertos Xochimilco tour with Devoured.
It includes a farm-to-table meal, a collaborative altar to remember loved ones, and insight into the cultural significance of Xochimilco–it’s on my to-do list this season!
10. Coyoacan & San Angel Neighborhoods
Unlike Roma and Condesa, both Coyoacán and San Ángel come alive during Day of the Dead with community ofrendas, candlelit plazas, and a festive, local atmosphere.
In Coyoacán, the main square fills with altars, face painters, and vendors selling flower crowns and pan de muerto.
San Ángel, especially around Plaza San Jacinto, also sets up beautiful public ofrendas and is usually less crowded than Coyoacán.
💡 Pro Tip: Go in the evening to see the altars lit up, then grab dinner or a hot chocolate nearby—both neighborhoods have plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants. Los Danzantes is one of my favorite upscale restaurants in Coyoacán.
11. Take a Stroll Along Paseo de la Reforma
During Day of the Dead, Paseo de la Reforma turns into an open-air gallery.
The wide boulevard is lined with cempasuchiles (orange marigolds, giant alebrijes after the parade, and seasonal displays that stay up from mid-October into early November.
One of my favorite evening activities this time of year is going for dinner with a view at Ling Ling and walking back home to Roma Norte along Paseo de la Reforma to see the art on display.
💡 Pro Tip: Go at night when everything is lit up—the sculptures look even more striking.
12. Bike Ride Paseo Nocturno
Mexico City organizes a Paseo Nocturno en Bici (Night Bike Ride) with a Day of the Dead theme.
Thousands of cyclists dress up in costumes, paint their faces like Catrinas, and ride together through Reforma and other main streets to El Centro.
Join in on the fun by renting an Ecobici and bike along Reforma from the Angel of Independence to Centro.
13. Chapultepec Park After Dark
Chapultepec is one of my favorite spots in Mexico City year-round, but it feels extra special during Day of the Dead.
Seasonal ofrendas and art installations pop up around the park, especially near the lakes and museums, and families come out to stroll, take photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Go after dark when the altars are lit up, and the park feels both festive and a little spooky.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Mexico City’s Día de Muertos is more than a single parade or night of candles—it’s a citywide celebration with festivities and decorations that go for weeks.
Whether you’re drawn to the energy of the parades, the quiet glow of Chapultepec after dark, or a food-filled time on the Xochimilco canals, you’ll find something that matches your travel style.
I’ve explored these events year after year (sometimes with friends, sometimes solo) and each season I discover something new.
Choose a few experiences that excite you, and let the city show you why this tradition is one of Mexico’s most meaningful celebrations.
💡 Next Step: Before you book your trip, check out my guide to Mexico City in October for tips on weather, what to pack, and how to prepare.
That way, you’ll be ready to enjoy every parade, altar, and outing to the fullest!
