Take advantage of the weekend to escape to one of these magical towns to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Each one will have unmissable activities, including catrinas, festivals and impressive ofrendas. Shall we go? Most of them are very close to Mexico City.
1. Atlixco
This is one of the destinations you can’t miss during the Day of the Dead! For the fourth time, the traditional Valley of the Catrinas will be installed, an exhibition composed of huge cardboard figures measuring between 5 and 8 meters high.
This year’s edition focuses on historical characters. You will see Porfirio Diaz, Juan Escutia, Zapata and Pancho Villa, to name a few. In addition, the Molino de San Mateo Historic Garden will have a huge ofrenda. Each catrina is installed in different spaces. Here is a map with the location of each one.
This magical town is located in Puebla and is almost two hours from Mexico City. You can go and come back the same day. Take a getaway for the Day of the Dead. El Valle de las Catrinas will be available from October 11 to November 10, 2024.
2. Chignahuapan
In this magical town you will also find an unmissable spectacle. It is the Festival of Light and Life, which will represent a pre-Hispanic ritual. It has everything: monumental offering, fireworks show and more. You will even have the opportunity to taste different varieties of pan de muerto.
The festival will last only three days: October 31, as well as November 1 and 2. Each of the performances starts at 7:00 pm. The cost of admission ranges from $300 to $1,200. Start planning your trip to this magical town.
3. Patzcuaro, Michoacán
This is one of the magical towns where the Day of the Dead is celebrated in a big way. In fact, throughout the state there are incredible activities. During the Night of the Souls there will be different artistic shows mainly in the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga.
4. Huasca de Ocampo
Regardless of the season of the year, it is always a good idea to visit Huasca de Ocampo, in Hidalgo. However, during the Day of the Dead you will find many activities. This year 2024 the Festival de las Ánimas will take place. You can visit from October 31 to November 2. Among the activities there will be an altar contest, concerts, tours, legends and more.
It is one of the best magical towns to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
5. Malinalco
Day of the Dead is a nationwide festivity; however, it is commemorated differently in every corner of the country. For example, in Malinalco, monumental altars are set up to pay homage to the people who died that year.
As is tradition, the inhabitants create huge altars to represent the tastes and profession of the person they are remembering. It is a tradition in this magical town in the State of Mexico, which takes place from October 28 to November 2 of each year.