Do you already know the most famous cemeteries in CDMX? One became a museum, another is the largest in the city and one more stands out because it belongs to another country.
1. San Fernando Cemetery
The first time this pantheon opened its doors was in 1832, which makes it one of the oldest in Mexico City. It closed definitively in 1871; however, it opened once again to receive the remains of Benito Juárez a year later.
In 2006 the precinct was declared a museum and to date it has remained as such. You will learn more about funerary art and what Mexico was like many years ago. Admission to the museum is free. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
📍San Fernando 17, colonia Guerrero
2. Dolores Civil Pantheon
It is considered the largest civil pantheon in Mexico. According to “El Panteón de Dolores y sus inicios” by Ethel Herrera, this space was inaugurated in September 1875 and owes its name to the fact that the land it currently occupies was called Tabla de Dolores.
One of the most emblematic spaces of the place is the Rotunda of Illustrious Persons, where homage is paid to great personalities of the country. It is worth mentioning that José Guadalupe Posada, to whom we owe the creation of the Catrina, was buried in a common grave in this cemetery.
The cemetery is currently being remodeled as part of the project “Bosque de Chapultepec: Nature and Culture”.
📍avenida Constituyentes S/N, Miguel Hidalgo municipality
3. American Pantheon
Did you know that there is an American cemetery in CDMX? Just as you read it! It is the Panteón Americano, the first American cemetery built outside the United States. You are probably wondering: how was it decided to install it here? Well, the purpose of the place was to pay homage to 750 American soldiers who died in Mexican territory during the Mexican-American War.
It opened in 1851 and burials stopped in 1923; however, the site remains open and can be visited.
📍Virginia Fábregas 31, colonia San Rafael
4. Tepeyac Cemetery
By far one of the oldest cemeteries in CDMX. According to Mexico City’s Secretary of Tourism, there are tombstones dating back to 1660. The remains of people such as Filomeno Mata and Antonio López de Santa Anna rest there.
📍It is located near the Basilica of Guadalupe in the municipality of Gustavo A. Madero.
5. Mixquic Cemetery
This is undoubtedly one of the most famous cemeteries in CDMX, especially during the Day of the Dead season. Activities begin on September 29 and on October 28 the first ofrenda is placed.
On November 2 is when “La Alumbrada” takes place, when all the lights are turned off and hundreds of candles are lit.
📍Independencia Avenue, San Andrés Mixquic, Tláhuac Mayor’s Office
6. Garden Cemetery
The first time this CDMX cemetery opened its doors was in 1944. You probably know it because the remains of great personalities of the golden age of Mexican cinema such as Tin Tan, Jorge Negrete, Cantinflas and Pedro Infante rest here.
📍Desierto de los Leones km 14.5, San Angel Inn, Álvaro Obregón