Oaxaca Day of the Dead 2025: Your Ultimate Festival Guide

From colorful parades to candlelit cemeteries, Oaxaca Day of the Dead is one of the most meaningful celebrations in Mexico. With so much happening in the days leading up to the Day of the Dead festival in Oaxaca, it can be hard to know where to start and what to do.

This guide walks you through everything you need to experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, including how to respectfully visit the cemeteries and observe other Day of the Dead traditions (altars, marigolds, and parades called comparsas). You’ll also find practical travel tips, a general schedule, and advice on where to book an authentic Oaxaca Day of the Dead tour.

I’ve experienced Día de Muertos in Oaxaca four times while living in the city and continue to learn something new each year. Whether you’re curious about the origins and traditions of Día de los Muertos, want to explore nearby villages, or are simply wondering what to wear, this guide will help you navigate it all.

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There are many things to do for Día de Muertos in Oaxaca. And I wouldn’t want you to miss the fun parades and other events. So use the table of contents above to move around different section as you need.

Or you can jump head to Day of the Dead tours or an itinerary. Let’s get started!

When is Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is celebrated on November 1 and 2, but the festivities start the night before, since it’s believed the spirits return at midnight. November 1 honors deceased children, while November 2 is dedicated to adults and tends to be the most festive.

Tip – I recommend arriving 3 days to a week before the celebrations begin. The city starts to transform early as locals prepare for the holiday. You’ll want time to explore the colorful markets, see the decorations, and take pictures in the flower fields (more on that later).

Where to Stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead

I recommend staying as close to the center as your budget allows so you can easily take a siesta or freshen up. Taxis are in high demand during the holiday, so being able to walk to parades and other events is ideal.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Oaxaca means full days and late nights. For exactly where to stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead, I recommend staying close to Santo Domingo Church, near the Zocalo, or in the neighborhood of Jalatlaco.

Booking last minute? Click to see what hotels are available.

If you’re able to book a hotel for Day of the Dead in advance, you’ll be rewarded with the best options and prices. I’ve detailed a few of the top places to stay for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca below.

Why Celebrate Día de Muertos in Oaxaca?

Día de Muertos in Oaxaca is one of the most authentic places to celebrate this tradition in Mexico. The city comes alive with altars, marigold flowers, and parades called comparsas. Nearby villages also observe unique Oaxaca Day of the Dead traditions, many of which welcome visitors who want to respectfully learn more.

If you’re curious about another traditional destination, check out my guide to Day of the Dead Michoacán which focuses on Pátzcuaro and Isla Janitzio.

Day of the Dead Oaxaca Tours

I’ve joined several Day of the Dead tours in Oaxaca over the years, and in my experience, the key is finding one that feels authentic and aligns with your interests. The Oaxaca Day of the Dead tours available online tend to offer more thoughtful experiences than the options you’ll see on the street.

One of the groups I’ve joined for a Day of the Dead tour in Oaxaca offers this 7-day itinerary from Oct 27th – Nov 2nd which includes unique experiences that I haven’t seen elsewhere. You can also book them individually below.

Below, I’ve highlighted a few other tours I recommend, along with the dates they’re available. These range from guided cemetery tours in Oaxaca to flower field and altar building experience with a local family.

Itinerary for Day of the Dead Oaxaca

This Oaxaca Day of the Dead schedule highlights the main events in the city along with a few unique experiences in nearby pueblos of the Central Valleys. With activities spread over several days, it’s worth pacing yourself to enjoy both the lively comparsas and quieter moments, such as respectfully visiting a cemetery.

Before the 31st

In the days before the Day of the Dead festival in Oaxaca, take the time to wander around while taking in the essences that have begun to take over the city. The mercados are full of fresh-cut flowers, the bakeries are busy making pan de muerto, and just about everyone is decorating with bright orange marigold flowers.

The incredible floral displays and other decorations reflect the spirit of Oaxaca: rooted in tradition but expressed with color and flair.

The neighborhood of Jalatlaco is a great place to walk around. It’s known for its street art, some of which has a Muertos theme, and the cafes and restaurants near the church are always decked out with playful decor. Make sure you pop into Los Pilares Hotel (map) to check out their altar just inside the entrance.

I’ve also found great decorations on the streets just south of Santo Domingo Church. I usually head toward the Zócalo and then make my way back up Garcia Vigil (map), passing a mix of altars, arches, and beautiful floral pieces along the way.

Explore Nearby Pueblos – Artisans, Markets, and Mezcal

The days leading up to Día de los Muertos are also a great time to explore the surrounding villages. Oaxaca is unique in that there are multiple day trips from the city to visit several nearby pueblos, each known for an artisan craft, mezcal, or natural attraction.

Try to plan your visit around one of the weekly markets, known as tianguis. During Day of the Dead, these markets in Oaxaca become even more vibrant, with stalls overflowing with marigolds, altar offerings, and seasonal pan de muerto. Some of my favorites are:

• Thursdays – Zaachila Market
• Fridays – Ocotlán Market
• Sundays – Tlacolula Market

The biggest market in Oaxaca City, Central de Abastos, is also worth a visit. This already chaotic market becomes even more intense in the days leading up to Day of the Dead. Truckloads of flowers arrive from the fields, and the aisles fill with Oaxacans buying everything they need to build their altars and cook the favorite dishes of their loved ones that are returning for their yearly visit.

Planning to come to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead? You’ll also want to read my tips for staying safe in Oaxaca.

Visit a Marigold Flower Field in Oaxaca

Before the flowers are harvested, you can visit the marigold fields to take photos and buy flowers for your altar. Some people dress up or have Catrina makeup done for portraits, while others simply wander the fields and enjoy the atmosphere.

I recommend arriving in the late afternoon when the golden hour sun enriches the scenery. Keep in mind that you’ll need to visit the week before Dia de los Muertos. The flowers are harvested around the 28th of October.

There are two I’ve been to and recommend. You can get to Cultivos el Viejo by taking a bus towards Zimatlán from here, getting off just before, and walking the dirt path about 10 minutes to the field. Or if you prefer private transportation, book this tour to the flower fields on October 28th.

The second is in San Antonino Castillo Velasco, where a local flower farm hosts the Flower Harvest Festival. They are known for cultivating Flor de Gallo in a range of striking colors, from pale yellow to vibrant pink.

The festival dates vary, but plan for the weekend or days leading up to Muertos. You can check this FB page a few weeks before. For Muertos 2025 they have announced more than a week of festivities, beginning Oct 25th and ending Nov 1st. But it’s best to visit on a weekend (25th or 1st) for the full atmosphere. To get there, take a bus to Ocotlán and then a moto taxi to the fields (map).

Go See the Tapetes (Sand Rugs)

In the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, colorful sand rugs have a long tradition of celebrating the dead. Depending on the town, they are created 9 days, 40 days, and one year after the death of a loved one.

I recommend visiting Zaachila on the Thursday before Día de los Muertos to explore the weekly tianguis and see the tapetes near the church. The street leading from the cemetery to the church and market is also home to awesome street art.

Recently, other communities like Xochimilco and Xoxocotlán have started creating sand rugs for the Day of the Dead festival. While I didn’t find them as impressive as those in Zaachila, they’re closer to the city if you’re short on time.

Day of the Dead Bread in Mitla or Tlacolula

Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is a common offering placed on altars during Muertos. While you can find the traditional bread at cafes and bakeries in the city, I recommend traveling to Zaachila, Tlacolula, or Mitla to see their specialty pan de muerto, which varies by region.

In Mitla, the bread is decorated an intricate white pattern. And you can book this tour to decorate your own Muertos bread at a bakery with more than 50 years of history. I went last year and it’s a cool way to see behind the scenes and feel more connected to the holiday.

Official Day of the Dead Parades in Oaxaca

The city also hosts official Day of the Dead parades on the weekend and days leading up to the holiday. You’ll see all the familiar characters from a typical Oaxacan parade—brass bands, dancers, and towering puppets—but with a Muertos twist. My favorite are the Chinas Oaxaqueñas who trade their colorful dresses for black and white versions and paint their faces as Catrinas.

October 31st – Visit a Cemetery

Families in Oaxaca spend the days prior to the Day of the Dead preparing the gravesites of the deceased. They clean the grave and begin to decorate with flowers. During the celebrations, they gather in the cemetery at night to light candles and welcome their loved ones for a visit.

It’s an incredibly moving tradition as families gather by candlelight to tell stories and sing songs. You may even be invited by a family to sit down with them as they tell you about their departed loved ones.

It should go without saying, foreigners who visit a cemetery need to be incredibly respectful inside, both with walking around and taking pictures. This is a celebratory event, but it is not a time to party.

Oaxaca Cemeteries for Day of the Dead

There are several Oaxaca cemeteries that I recommend visiting for Day of the Dead. Several of these are within the city which makes it convenient to visit on nights before other events. Others are harder to get to, so I recommend you book this cemetery tour and choose your preferred location.

Xoxo Cemetery – The cemetery in the town of Xoxocotlán (pronounced ho-ho for short) is one of the most popular to visit. For that reason I prefer to go here early. You can take a moto taxi to the cemetery from the edge of town. Or book this cemetery tour of Xoxo.

Atzompa Cemetery – Located 30 minutes west of the city, Atzompa is a traditional cemetery in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead. It has a more rustic feel than Xoxo and draws a smaller crowd.

Xochimilco Cemetery – A small cemetery located in the traditional neighborhood of Xochimilco. While this Oaxaca cemetery was a bit calmer on the night I visited, there were a few families and many gravesites with flowers and candles.

San Felipe Cemetery – A medium-sized cemetery 20 minutes north of the city with a long tradition. This is one of the only cemeteries where you’ll still find families gathered on the night of November 2nd. You can take a taxi or book this cemetery tour on Nov 2 which includes an informative guide.

General Pantheon – Located east of the city, this is the main cemetery of Oaxaca. However, the night I visited, it was very calm without much decoration or families. I wouldn’t put this cemetery at the top of your list.

November 1st – Muerteada in Etla

In the Valley of Etla, Day of the Dead celebrations takes the form of a muerteada, one of the newer traditions in the city. On this night, residents dress in costumes adorned with small mirrors and bells which help guide the spirits in the night.

The costumes are complete with masks that represent important muerteada figures such as the devil, the dead, and the old. Accompanied by a brass band, they meander through the neighborhood, going from house to house, welcoming the spirits to come out.

The festivity turns into an all-night parade that ends around sunrise. It’s a fun, more wild event than the other celebrations. This is an opportunity to dress up with either face paint or a mask.

If you want to experience the Muerteada and other Oaxaca Day of the Dead parades, I recommend joining this mask workshop to paint your own mask that you can wear to a parade. It’s a really unique experience with a family that has generations of tradition in the craft.

While San Agustin Etla has been the most well known town for a Muerteada, they have limited the number of people in recent years. There are other towns in Etla Valley that also have Muerteadas on these days.

How To Get To Etla for the Murteada

A taxi is the best way to get to Etla for Day of the Dead, so it’s best to organize a group to share the cost. During the day it’s a 45 minute drive from the center of Oaxaca but for Muertos, it can easily be much longer due to traffic.

In fact, I recommend you hire a taxi for the entire night so that they are available when you are ready to go back to Oaxaca City. In the years prior, the muerteada in Etla drew a crowd of more than 3,000 people, so you can imagine the difficulty of finding an available taxi in a sea of people.

November 2nd – Jalatlaco Comparsa (Parade)

There always seems to be something going on in the neighborhood of Jalatlaco for Day of the Dead. In the evenings of both the 1st and the 2nd, people gather in this traditional neighborhood to celebrate. And around 9 pm, you will most likely find a parade in the streets, called a comparsa.

To locate a comparsa, look and listen for the telltale signs – a brass band leading the parade, large puppets with their arms swinging wildly, and “El Patron,” whose job it is to keep everyone lubricated with shots of mezcal.

This Day of the Dead parade is a great event to go to with your face painted, assuming you aren’t visiting a cemetery later in the night. I recommend booking this professional face paint and photoshoot on Nov 2nd.

This Day of the Dead parade is typically much shorter than the muerteada in Etla, though no less fun! In fact, the traditional neighborhood of Jalatlaco is the perfect backdrop for the Day of the Dead festival in Oaxaca. You can expect the parade to wrap up around 11 pm.

Oaxaca Day of the Dead Traditions

Día de los Muertos is rooted in tradition. It’s always been a time of celebration, but some of those traditions have been diluted by the growing party atmosphere. While there’s plenty of room to celebrate, it’s also important to understand the origins of Muertos—and to know when it’s appropriate to party.

Day of the Dead Altars

Altars, or ofrendas, are a centerpiece of Day of the Dead traditions, created to welcome the spirits as they pass from the underworld to visit with family. They’re filled with flowers, candles, photographs, and favorite items of the deceased.

The offerings include their favorite food and drinks, and often mezcal and cigarettes for adults or candy and toys for children. Families spend countless hours going to the market and preparing food to create their Day of the Dead altar.

While most altars are displayed in private homes, you’ll also find public ones set up by hotels and neighborhoods as you wander around Oaxaca City.

Day of the Dead Flowers

The orange marigold, known as cempasúchil, has been part of Día de Muertos since pre-Hispanic times. Its vibrant color and strong scent are believed to guide the spirits back from the underworld.

You’ll see cempasúchil everywhere in Oaxaca this time of year—in markets, flower fields, and decorating altars across the city. It’s often paired with the deep red Flor de Gallo, aka cockscomb.

Pan de Muerto – Day of the Dead Bread

Another essence that fills the city in late October comes from the bakeries. Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead, is only made during this time of year and varies by region. The most recognized version has a round shape, bone-like decorations on top, and a sugar coating.

In Oaxaca’s Central Valleys, the local specialty is pan de yema—a rich, egg-based bread made with yolks instead of water or milk. Traditionally, it’s decorated with small painted faces that honors a specific loved one. Near Oaxaca City, the bread is usually round, while in the Sierra Sur and La Costa regions, it’s shaped like a human figure.

You’ll find this seasonal bread at bakeries throughout the city. Pair it with a cup of chocolate de agua for the full Muertos experience.

Oaxaca Day of the Dead Parades

One of the most festive traditions during Muertos is the series of parades, known as comparsas. As I mentioned above, the neighborhood of Jalatlaco is one of the best places to experience one.

But don’t limit yourself to just one spot—keep your eyes and ears open throughout the city and nearby towns. The sound of a brass band, bursts of fireworks, and a crowd following larger-than-life puppets are all signs that a comparsa is coming (and that you’re in for a good time).

Day of the Dead Face Painting

While Day of the Dead face painting isn’t rooted in tradition, it’s become a recognizable part of the celebration. La Catrina was originally created in the early 1900s as a satire referencing high society’s obsession with European customs.

If you want to get your face painted for Day of the Dead, walk along Calle Alcalá. This pedestrian street just south of Santo Domingo Church is where many artists set up during the holiday. To complete the look, you’ll find street vendors throughout the city selling flower headbands and necklaces made with fresh marigolds.

For a more stylized experience, book this makeup session paired with a professional photo shoot—it’s a fun way to mark the occasion and go home with great photos.

Keep in mind – There is a time and a place to walk around with your face painted. It’s fine if you’re going to a parade or the murteada in Etla but I wouldn’t visit a cemetery with my face painted.

Tips to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Plan Your Dia de los Muertos Trip in Advance

Oaxaca City is one of the most popular places to celebrate Día de Muertos, so the earlier you plan, the better your chances of booking great accommodations and tours.

That said, the first time I celebrated Muertos in Oaxaca, I planned just a month or two ahead. If that’s your timeline, flexibility is key—but it’s still absolutely worth going, even if everything isn’t perfectly arranged.

Book an Authentic Day of the Dead Tour in Oaxaca

If you’re booking a tour, focus on finding one that feels authentic. A good Oaxaca Day of the Dead tour should teach you about the history and traditions while offering a respectful glimpse into how local families celebrate. I highly recommend these cultural Day of the Dead tours.

Be Respectful and Mind Your Alcohol Intake

Day of the Dead is a traditional celebration that truly revolves around family. Oaxacans are incredibly generous and mostly excited to share their traditions with foreigners but it’s important to approach the celebration with respect. Yes, it’s festive. Yes, it’s a celebration. But it’s not an excuse to party and get drunk.

Ask Before Taking Someone’s Photo

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca transforms an already picturesque, culturally rich city into a photographer’s dream. Vivid scenes are everywhere, but unless someone is part of a parade or public event, it’s important to ask before taking their photo.

This is especially true in cemeteries and at the markets. The rounded piles of fresh-cut flowers always catch eyes, but I’ve seen vendors get visibly upset when people take photos without asking. Most are happy to say yes—especially if you’re only photographing the flowers—just ask first.

FAQs About Día de Muertos in Oaxaca

Final Thoughts on Oaxaca Day of the Dead

Experiencing Day of the Dead in Oaxaca offers a deeper look into one of Mexico’s most meaningful traditions. From altars and flower fields to comparsas and cemetery visits, it’s a time when Oaxacans welcome the spirits of their loved ones back for a visit.

With the right planning and respectful curiosity, you’ll walk away with a lasting connection to the culture and the people who keep these traditions alive.