Where to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico
There are countless reasons to visit Mexico, chief among them its varied beaches, vibrant cities and world-class food. But if you want to immerse yourself in the country’s most culturally significant holiday, then set your sights on Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This annual holiday occurs November 1 and 2, though celebrations may stretch over the course of several days, depending on where you are. Anyone who’s seen Pixar’s Coco has a rudimentary grasp of the holiday, but — probably unsurprisingly — there’s more to it than can be covered in a 100-minute animated film (great movie, though).
The practice stretches back at least 3,000 years to the Aztecs, who believed that life was a preparation for death and that death involved a journey to reach the soul’s final resting place. To assist loved ones along the way, family members would set out food, gifts and other items, a ritual still practiced symbolically today via ofrendas, shrines that feature photos, candles and offerings to honor the dead. The holiday is rooted in family, and most observances take place in the home, but today you’ll find larger celebrations featuring parades, costumes and other festivities in destinations all across Mexico. If you want to join in, these six cities are great places to start.
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