If you plan to visit this state, October and November may be the best months to do so due to the traditions of the season. The Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is an experience that we recommend you to live sometime.
First you should know that each locality, municipality, town and community has its own traditions, so the activities are not the same throughout the state. Here we will tell you about those festivities that are open to the public and ideal for tourism, many of them in the center of Oaxaca.
Plaza de la Danza, Zócalo and Centro Histórico (Historic Center)
In the downtown area there is an event called “The most lively party of all” that includes cultural and artistic activities. They usually take place between October 30 and November 2.
One of the most awaited events is the Magna Comparsa, the parade where contingents from the main neighborhoods of Oaxaca participate. Music, calendas, pyrotechnics and color are some of the characteristics.
The procession goes through the main streets of the Historic Center and ends at the Cultural and Convention Center. To close with a flourish, a musical concert is held in the Zócalo.
Each year there are different activities that you can consult on the Facebook profile of the Secretaría de las Culturas y las Artes. However, the exhibition of monumental tapestries made of lime is one of the recurring ones. The exhibition is located in the Plaza de la Danza.
During these days there is also an exhibition of ofrendas, façade decorations, costume contests, plays, folkloric ballet and gastronomy. Don’t miss the chance to taste the pan de muerto!
Other Day of the Dead must-sees in Oaxaca that are not in the city center
Muerteada in Villa de Etla
In the Central Valleys the “Muerteada” takes place, a theatrical representation that simulates the return to life of a dead person. It is a tour that includes main streets and local houses; there is music, verses and more. It is worth mentioning that this is a night event.
Field of cempasúchil in San Isidro Zautla
You can’t leave without taking a picture among cempasúchil flowers. One of the most beautiful fields is El Festín de las Abejas (The Feast of the Bees), which is dressed in different colors of marigolds. It also has allusive figures, such as catrinas and skulls.
Alumbrada in Santa María Atzompa
The traditional “Alumbrada”, also known as “Velada”, takes place in this place. It is a ritual in the Municipal Cemetery, where the tombs are illuminated with candles; families pray, worship and sing to their deceased during the night.
This municipality commemorates the Day of the Dead with a mural contest, the exhibition of an altar of the dead in the municipal esplanade and a calenda with music and allusive groups.
Now you know how they celebrate the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, are you going to miss it?