Day of the Dead in Mexico

October 29th – November 4th, 2024

The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a highly revered event recognized by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Engaging with the cultural beliefs and practices surrounding it is essential to comprehend fully and appreciate this momentous occasion, and participating in the festivities before, during, and after the holiday is necessary.

Visiting Oaxaca on this occasion offers a unique opportunity to explore the Mexican people’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, ancient ruins, and natural treasures. The city comes alive with vibrant music, colorful decorations, and elaborate altars commemorating the departed. It is an experience that can deepen one’s appreciation of the diverse customs and beliefs of the Mexican people.

Parades

Traditional skulls masks

Hierve El Agua

Natural springs

Oaxaca’s cusisine

Culinary experiences

Monte Alban

Archeological site

Highlights

Our signature trip offers an exclusive opportunity to participate in the Day of the Dead festival in Oaxaca, Mexico, while relishing the local cuisine and traditional culinary methods. The tour provides a chance to explore the essence of Mexican arts and embark on a guided tour of the historical ruins of Monte Alban. In addition, you will have the privilege of visiting Hierve El Agua, a picturesque location with natural springs nestled amidst low, brush-covered mountains. Furthermore, the tour will explore Oaxaca, a cultural city renowned for its gastronomy, history, and manifestations of ancient culture. The city’s majestic churches and refined plazas have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status, a testament to its cultural significance.

Itinerary

On your initial day, our primary objective is to simplify the process and facilitate your preparedness for the dynamic experiences ahead. As you arrive at Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), one of our representatives will extend a cordial and welcoming greeting, assisting you in transferring to your designated hotel. Upon arrival, you may take the opportunity to unwind and recuperate.

We would be delighted to recommend a selection of local eateries that will undoubtedly enhance your culinary experience and prepare you for the upcoming and exciting experiences that await.
Six nights in Oaxaca

Commencing our day with a tour of Oaxaca City shall allow us to experience its vibrant culture. An authentic Oaxaca food tour is one of the most exceptional ways to immerse oneself in local life. This tour is designed to enhance one’s senses and acquaint oneself with the city’s hidden gems, where one can witness the creation of authentic handmade crafts and indulge in local gastronomy, such as Mole or Tamales Oaxaqueños.

This food tour offers an opportunity to dine like a local and savor over 24 typical Oaxacan foods from the three main markets and street food stalls. The tour shall explain why Oaxaca is considered one of Mexico’s finest gastronomic destinations.

The city’s main highlights include Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, the Zocalo, and the city centera UNESCO site. As the celebrations of the Day of the Dead commence, the day shall offer a glimpse into the dramatic parades with people preparing or in their intricate costumes. As one head towards the resting place of the dead, you may see families gathering to pay their respects.

We will visit the archaeological site of Mitla, which was once a prominent pre-Hispanic city. We will stop at Santa Maria del Tule on the way to see its major attraction, the Arbol del Tule (Tree of Tule). This ancient Montezuma cypress tree is believed to be up to 3,000 years old and boasts the most giant tree trunk in the world. Afterward, we shall proceed towards the natural pools of Hierve el Agua. These immaculate pools, aptly named ‘the water boils,’ shall serve as a source of rejuvenation.

The ruins of the ancient city of Mitla are the second most significant archeological site in the region after Monte Alban. Although not as ancient, Mitla boasts a unique form of geometric ‘mosaics’ unparalleled in ancient Mexican architecture. These mosaics have various designs, each symbolizing a vital being, including the earth, sky, and a feathered serpent. The ancient people of Mitla demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship by carefully cutting each stone to fit the intricate design before setting it in mortar on the walls. The buildings were also adorned with painted friezes, adding to their grandeur. During your tour, you will observe five primary structures, including the Zapotec-Mixtec ruins and the ancient church of San Pablo. 

After we finish our visit to Mitla, we will make our way to Hierve el Agua, considered one of the most stunning natural wonders in the region. Hierve el Agua is a set of mountainous rock formations that create beautiful terraced waterfalls and natural pools filled with minerals where you can even dip. 

The Hierve el Agua springs are known for their diverse natural minerals and other health-promoting properties. This geological formation comprises two cascading pools, which are reminiscent of waterfalls. The larger of the two pools is known to reach depths of up to 30 meters. These pools are in a pristine natural environment. 

Our scheduled travel plans entail visiting the charming colonial village of Teotitlan del Valle. This idyllic town has preserved its historical appearance, granting visitors a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage. During our visit, our primary focus will be on the art of woven crafts and its reputation. The skilled artisans of this town utilize exclusively all-natural dyes and adhere to traditional techniques that have lasted centuries. Our guests will appreciate the classic designs, including Navajo and Zapotec patterns, and modern interpretations by Western artists.

Finally, we’ll return to Oaxaca to participate in the Day of the Dead celebrations. You can approach the locals and their families with inquiries concerning their Ofrendas and the individuals whom they honor during this significant event. Their eagerness to share their heritage and experiences with you will guarantee that you feel like a member of their extended family. Furthermore, they can thoroughly explain all aspects of Ofrendas, including their composition and why they hold such significance. 

Today, you’ll participate in a captivating tour of Monte Alban, an archaeological site abundant in historical and cultural wealth. This ancient city was once a focal point of the Zapotec and Olmec civilization, and visitors will be captivated by the impressive pyramids, temples, tombs, and other structures that have endured the test of time.

Monte Alban is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This well-preserved complex houses ancient cultures, including temples, pyramids, and ceremonial sites. You’ll have a guided tour to understand this active site’s history and significance. The tour includes visiting the historical palace and the observatory, where you can enjoy a clear view of the surrounding valley, including local villages and towns. 

After the tour, we will return to the town to celebrate one of the two most significant days of the Day of the Dead. You will witness huge parades throughout the day and night. You will see everyone in their lovely costumes and glory. You can visit the graveyards wherever you like and explore this unique view and culture of death. If you feel festive, you may even want to paint your face with traditional skeletal designs. Your face painting represents the loved ones who have passed away, and it is a sign of respect to carry on their spirits through these paintings. 

Today is one of the two most significant days of the festival, known as the Day of the Innocents. This annual event commemorates the lives of children who have passed away and serves as an opportunity to pay tribute to their memories. 

Today marks the most ebullient day of the year, and the jubilant celebrations of Mexico’s Day of the Dead are ubiquitous. The festivities commence at midnight, and today is the occasion to receive the spirits of the departed adults.

The Day of the Dead is a celebrated cultural event in Oaxaca characterized by vibrant parades known as comparsas, which feature marching bands that symbolize the return of the dead. Today, the major parade takes place. Throughout the city, exquisite tapestries and decorations by local artists abound. These tapestries, referred to as Tapetes de Arena, are typically placed before altars and are composed of rice, colored sand, dried beans, flowers, and seeds. 

Another popular tradition during the Day of the Dead is face painting, a contemporary take on the Calavera de Azucar (sugar skulls), wherein individuals paint their faces to resemble the skulls of the deceased. This tradition is a way to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away.

We recommend participating in the highly anticipated parade alongside the local population by wearing a costume and immersing yourself in the celebration.

Beyond the parade, there is ample opportunity to explore and experience the various vigils and ceremonial practices the locals undertake to honor this momentous occasion. 

Embark on a gastronomic journey in Oaxaca, accompanied by a local host. During a workshop, explore the intricacies of chocolate production by visiting a grinding mill and gain practical insights into the art of tortilla-making. Subsequently, visit a local family’s kitchen to savor a diverse range of Oaxacan culinary delights. Engage in a conversation with your hosts regarding the cultural nuances and traditional cooking practices associated with Oaxacan cuisine. This immersive culinary experience promises to be an enriching and insightful journey into the heart of Mexican culinary traditions.

Our day will commence with a visit to one of Oaxaca’s most extensive markets to procure the freshest ingredients for our guided cooking class. You will learn to prepare more intricate local cuisines, such as authentic mole, during the class. To complement your meal, you can indulge in locally produced fruit beverages and sample additional Mezcal at the end of the session.

By immersing yourself in preparing these dishes, you will experience a deeper connection to the local culture. Following the cooking class, you will have ample free time to explore the city independently. We suggest visiting the local graveyards adorned with exquisite offerings from families to honor their loved ones who have passed away. Alternatively, you can buy local food and enjoy the high-quality Mezcal produced in the region. 

Sadly, this unique experience ends today, and one of our drivers will take you to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) for your departure.

map, expenses & price

Day of the Dead in Mexico

Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Six nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Breakfasts and two traditional lunches.
Dates of the festival: October 28th – November 3rd.

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