Day of the Dead in Oaxaca 2023.
You mean they’re having parties in the cemetery?? That’s insane!! This my friends, is the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca. You have to experience it to believe it.
Coming from a different culture than that of Mexico, I find it absolutely fascinating and, honestly, so refreshing that people go to cemeteries to actually celebrate the lives of those who have past. How good!! And not just celebrate, full blown fiestas, brass bands, food, Mezcal. The works 🎉
We should be doing it like the Mexicans!! Let’s be happy for those times we shared with loved ones.
That’s why you should experience something like this at least once, and the Day of the dead (Dia de Los Muertos) in Oaxaca City is arguably the best place to celebrate it in all of Mexico.
I’ve lived in Oaxaca for 9 years, and it never fails to disappoint. If anything, it just keeps getting bigger and better. So if you’re in Oaxaca City at the moment or planning to come, lets get you sorted for an truly unforgettable experience.
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When is the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?
The official Day of the Dead schedule in Oaxaca is the 3 days, October 31st through to November 2nd. This is when you’ll see the cemeteries full and the city buzzing. But the festivities start a few days before in Centro Oaxaca City.
Where to celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City?
Ok, so there’s a heap to do in city itself, but these are the 3 best places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca. They’re just outside the city center and if you get to 2-3 of them, you’ve seen the very best there is and with 3 totally different experiences.
Xoxocotlan – 31st October
Xoxocotlan is the best cemetery to visit in Oaxaca, hands down. If you only go to 1 cemetery, make it this one. There is actually 2 cemeteries there, but all the action is happening in the bigger one, the newer one (it’s still very, very old).
In around the main entrance there’ll be a more vibrant/party feel, with music being played by small brass bands. But as you wander further in and around you’ll get to see and the graves and tombstones decorated with love, candles and family members gathered around eating and drinking.
Outside the cemetery theres an abundance of food stalls to sit down to eat and drink.
The cemetery is huge, and over the years it’s attracting more and more people. Best to get there around 5-6pm just as it gets dark before the absolute masses arrive.
San Agustin Elta – 1st November
This Day of the Dead celebration in San Agustin Etla is so out of this world, it’s amazing. People dressed up with mirrors and bells on the costumes jumping up and down and dancing, brass bands pumping out music, and with thousands of people there makes it a real party atmosphere for sure.
The people walk from small town to town, finally arriving into San Agustin around 9-10pm to get the party really fired up. After parading around for an hour or so, they then have a small performance making random joke, gossip and rumors about the other locals, government and whatever stands in there way. Then the party kicks on again all night until the sun comes up.
San Agustin is just under an hour from Oaxaca City. The best and easiest way to experience it all is to find a tour on Viator. You can just take a taxi solo, but it’s hard work getting home afterwards with so limited taxis coming back.
San Felipe – 2nd November
The San Felipe cemetery wraps up the festivities for the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca. It’s really just a mini version of what you get at Xoxocotlan, and a lot less tranquil.
You’ll get all the decorative graves and tombstones, but without all the show of Xoxocotlan. Theres also stalls out the front to sit down and eat some delicious Oaxacan food. A great way to experience it all with easy access and only 15 mins from Oaxaca City. The most user friendly activity of the 3 days.
Where to stay in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead?
Best place to stay in Oaxaca City is anywhere near the Santo Domingo church or the Zocalo. That’s where all the action happens and you’ll be nice and close. Other nice neighborhoods close by are Jalatlaco, Xochimilco and Reforma.
The city is going to be fully booked out, so you’ll need to book something as soon as possible. Hostelworld.com Booking.com
Day of the Dead Altar traditions in Oaxaca
Many families make Altars in their homes and businesses that you’ll see around town. They’re decorated with the tradition flowers and photos of those that have passed. The add to the Alter those peoples favorite food and drinks, for when their spirits return during these days.
So get your bags ready and come to Oaxaca for a week of party and activities and a cultural experience that you’ll never forget. It’s just another reason why I love Oaxaca so much.
