On October 31, there will be a free Oaxacan calenda in Coyoacán to celebrate the Day of the Dead. It’s called the Vela Catrina, a procession that will begin at the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, pass by the Frida Kahlo Museum, and end at the Chapel of San Diego Churubusco.
The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. If you’ve never attended an Oaxacan calenda, we’ll explain what this tradition is all about and where the celebration will take place.
What is an Oaxacan calenda, and what will happen in Coyoacán?
A calenda is a traditional parade from Oaxaca held to announce or celebrate a festival. It generally features brass band music, dancing, people parading through the streets, and enormous figures known as calenda monkeys.
These monkeys are giant puppets made with lightweight frames, which a person carries and makes dance along the route. They usually represent popular characters, traditional figures, or people from the community.
Calendas may also feature lanterns, marmotas (large decorated spheres), and participants dressed in traditional costumes. However, the specific elements of the Vela Catrina have not yet been detailed.
In Coyoacán, the plan is to bring this Oaxacan tradition to the streets as part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. The public will be able to watch the parade at the announced locations.
Route and Schedule for the Vela Catrina in Coyoacán
The calenda will have three main stops and will last approximately an hour and a half:
- 1:30 p.m.: The parade begins at the Cruz Atrial of the Parish of San Juan Bautista, in downtown Coyoacán.
- 2:00 p.m.: First stop at the Frida Kahlo Museum, known as the Casa Azul.
- 3:00 p.m.: The parade ends at the San Diego Churubusco Chapel.
Event Details
- 📅 Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
- 📍 Location: Coyoacán, from the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista to the Chapel of San Diego Churubusco
- 🕐 Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- 🎟️ Cost: Free
