The cempasúchil is about to fill the city! The altars in Mexico City for 2026 are beginning to be announced, and although several confirmations are still pending, we already have the first details on the monumental altars that will be part of the Day of the Dead celebrations.
As is the case every year, museums, universities, cultural venues, and public spaces will join in this tradition with displays of various sizes and themes. This guide includes only confirmed information for 2026 and will be updated as new offerings are announced.
Monumental Altar in the Zócalo
The Zócalo’s Monumental Altar Display already has dates set for 2026! From October 29 to November 2, the Plaza de la Constitución will be filled with cempasúchil flowers, sawdust rugs, and enormous papier-mâché figures.
This year’s display will pay homage to José Guadalupe Posada’s La Catrina and will feature a monumental sculpture standing 32 meters tall. Admission will be free, though specific visiting hours are still to be confirmed.
Day of the Dead Altars in Chapultepec
Chapultepec is also getting ready to celebrate the Day of the Dead! From October 29 to November 4, 2026, the Second Section of the forest will host the festival “La Puerta entre dos mundos” (The Gate Between Two Worlds).
The program includes altars, art installations, music, dance, and a nighttime drone show. Activities will be concentrated along the Paseo de los Compositores and Lago Mayor.
Dolores Olmedo Museum Altar
This is one you absolutely must have on your radar! The Dolores Olmedo Museum reopened its doors in May 2026 after being closed for six years, so this will be its first Day of the Dead back at its historic location in La Noria, Xochimilco.
Before it closed, the museum was known for setting up a traditional Day of the Dead display featuring colorful papier-mâché figures and themes that changed every year. While it was closed, some of these displays were even shown at other venues in Chapultepec.
For now, the museum has not confirmed a display for the Day of the Dead 2026, but its return to Xochimilco makes it one of the events worth keeping a close eye on this season.
Here, the offerings become small works of architecture! Open House CDMX Day of the Dead returns in 2026 with installations designed by architecture firms, which will reinterpret the Day of the Dead tradition through design.
What’s interesting is that you won’t find the typical monumental altars: there will be 7 altars at 6 different venues that you can visit over the course of 5 days. This is a great option for those looking for altars that break with tradition and want to incorporate architecture into their 2026 Mexico City altar tour.
…already has confirmed dates! The UNAM Mega-Ofrenda will return with installations up to three meters tall and an edition dedicated to the university’s 475-year history.
Under the theme “475 + Paths That Sustain Us, ” members of the university community will create offerings inspired by people, knowledge, disciplines, and events that have been part of UNAM. The displays will also feature descriptive audio guides.
Anahuacalli Museum Altar
The Anahuacalli Museum is one of the venues worth keeping on your radar during the Day of the Dead. Its volcanic stone architecture and the collection of pre-Hispanic art curated by Diego Rivera create a very unique setting for this season’s activities.
In previous years, the venue has presented its own Day of the Dead offering, in addition to activities related to this tradition. For now, we’ll have to wait to find out what it has in store for 2026.
Ofrenda at the Casa Azul
Frida Kahlo’s house has also joined in the Day of the Dead celebrations. Its displays often have a special connection to the museum’s history, Mexican culture, and the artistic world that surrounded Frida.
If you’re looking for 2026 Mexico City offerings inside museums, this is one to keep on your radar. The theme and details for this year’s edition are still to be confirmed.
Ofrenda at the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana
Right in the heart of the Historic Center, the Claustro de Sor Juana is another venue that has celebrated the Day of the Dead with its own unique display. The historic setting of the former convent adds a special touch to the displays presented during this season.
In previous years, the university community has participated in creating altars and organizing activities related to the Day of the Dead. For 2026, the theme, dates, and other details are still to be confirmed.
