Are you ready to experience one of Mexico’s most iconic and exciting celebrations? The Day of the Dead is a holiday rich in traditions, colors and flavors, and Mexico City’s Historic Center is, without a doubt, one of the most vibrant and exciting places to enjoy it.

There are many Day of the Dead events and activities, and while most of them are worthwhile, there are some that you should not miss. Here we tell you about 5 events and activities in the historic center that will definitely help you live and absorb all the magic, tradition and mysticism of the Day of the Dead.

So adjust your backpack, put on your most comfortable shoes and get ready to enjoy some of the Day of the Dead traditions that come to life in the heart of CDMX.

#1 Day of the Dead “Ofrendas” (Altars) in the Historic Center
Of course, we must start with the ofrendas, the most important, colorful and eye-catching tradition of the

If you don’t know what an ofrenda is or what elements it is composed of, we invite you to read this article in which we talk in more detail about the Day of the Dead ofrendas.

From October 27 to November 4, the Historic Center Ofrendas and Floral Arrangements Festival will be held, in which different establishments, including hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses, will set up ofrendas for the public. So just walk through the streets of downtown and you will find incredible altars full of flowers and copal aromas.

One of the ofrendas you can’t miss in the historic center is the Mega Ofrenda in the Zócalo, which this year is dedicated to the revolutionary hero Pancho Villa. This monumental ofrenda will be set up from October 29 to November 5, and will have a massive sculpture of 17 meters high, as well as cardboard figures and a mega altar.

If after all these ofrendas, you want to see more, you can go to other areas of the city. The Coyoacán neighborhood and UNAM (the CU campus) are other favorite areas to see ofrendas.

#2 Mega Catrinas Procession 2023
Get ready for an experience that lights up the streets with the majesty and mystery of the iconic Catrina! This year, the Mega Catrina Procession celebrates its 10th anniversary and promises to be an explosion of creativity and tradition. On October 22, starting at 6:30 pm, the streets of downtown will be filled with a vibrant parade, where thousands of participants adorned with elegant and artistic representations of the catrina, will pay homage to this emblematic figure created by José Guadalupe Posada.

From the Angel of Independence to the Zócalo, prepare to be part of a fun-filled tide of catrinas and calacas flowing down Paseo de la Reforma and Juárez Avenue. This free event is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in a tradition full of history and meaning, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting memory of your adventure in Mexico City.

#3 Grand Day of the Dead Parade CDMX 2023
Another of the season’s most anticipated events is the Grand Day of the Dead Parade, which illuminates the city’s streets with floats and troupes full of colors, lights and flowers that celebrate the richness and cultural diversity of Mexico.

The event will occur on Saturday, November 4 at 2 pm at the Puerta de los Leones in Chapultepec Park. It will take place on the way to the Zócalo with the participation of artistic and cultural collectives from all over the country. The parade will last approximately 4 hours.

#4 Pan de Muerto and Chocolate Festival 2023
If you want to immerse yourself in the season’s culinary delights, this festival is your paradise.

Imagine a space where more than 200 pan de muerto and hot chocolate varieties come together to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Every bite is an experience of traditional and some experimental flavors.

From November 3-5 at the Palacio de la Autonomía, prepare to be seduced by creative variations of pan de muerto, accompanied by hot chocolate that highlight the diversity of Mexico’s regions. And all this for an entrance fee of just MXN 20, which also gives you access to a surprise experience and the opportunity to participate in a raffle of breads and other products.

#5 Legends of the Dead at the Torre Latino
Going up the Torre Latinoamericana is a thrilling experience, but imagine exploring its heights while immersing yourself in chilling legends of the departed.

On October 31 and November 1, the iconic tower is transformed into a scene of mystery, where stories that have survived through the ages echo around every corner. For MXN 300, you can walk its floors in the dark of night, feeling the presence of the souls that inhabit Mexico’s legendary tales.

And there you have it! 5 events to experience the cultural richness of the Day of the Dead in the heart of CDMX. The city will vibrate with energy, color, and stories that connect life with the afterlife in a unique celebration full of tradition and art.

If you are planning to join the Day of the Dead celebrations in the historic center, we invite you to stay with us at Barrio, the coolest hostel in the heart of the city.

Come and be part of this extraordinary tradition, making Hostel Barrio your base to explore, discover and live the Day of the Dead like never before.

We hope to see you soon!