Day of the Dead in Oaxaca 2025: Cemeteries, Parades & How to Celebrate

Parties in the cemetery? That’s right. This is Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca — Mexico’s most unforgettable celebration of life and death. You honestly have to experience it to believe it.

Coming from a different culture, I find it absolutely fascinating—and honestly refreshing—that people in Oaxaca go to cemeteries to celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Full-blown fiestas, brass bands, traditional 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 10 years, and it never fails to disappoint.

👉 Book your Day of the Dead Tour 2025 now!!

When is the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?

The official Día de los Muertos schedule in Oaxaca runs from October 31st through November 2nd. This is when you’ll see the cemeteries full and the city buzzing. But the festivities start about a week beforehand in Centro Oaxaca City.

👉 50 Best things to See, Do and Eat in Oaxaca City

Where to celebrate Day of the Dead in and around Oaxaca City?

Ok, so there’s a heap to do in city itself every day during the festival, but these are the 3 best places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca. They’re just outside the city centre and if you get to a couple of them, you’ve seen the very best there is.

👉 Is Oaxaca Safe?

Xoxocotlan – 31st October

Xoxocotlan is the best cemetery to visit in Oaxaca, hands down and is only 4km’s from town. If you only go to 1 cemetery, make it this one. There is actually two cemeteries there, but all the action is happening in the bigger one, the newer of the two (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 there’s 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.

👉 Day of the Dead Tours

San Agustín Etla Day of the Dead Parade – Wildest Night (Nov 1)

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 for about an hour, they put on a short performance—full of jokes, gossip, and playful rumors about locals, politicians, and whatever else is fair game. Then the party kicks on again all night until the sun comes up.

San Agustin is just under an hour from Oaxaca City. You can just take a taxi solo, but it’s hard work getting home afterwards with so limited taxis coming back.

San Felipe del Agua – 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?

Anywhere in the historic Center 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 ASAP. 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 parades, altars, cemetery visits, and unforgettable culture during Day of the Dead 2025.

Book your Day of the Dead Tour now – 2025