Día de Muertos in Mitla: The 2-Week Schedule of Events
If you want to experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca but would like to get out of Oaxaca City for a day, Mitla is worth putting on your list.
San Pablo Villa de Mitla, the famous Pueblo Mágico in the Central Valleys, has a full program of Día de Muertos activities running from October 15 to November 2, 2026.
There are illuminated paths, Catrina displays, traditional altars, a calavera comparsa, visits to local cemeteries, pan de muerto activities, music, dancing and more.
I haven’t made it to Mitla for Día de Muertos myself yet, but I’m planning to get there this year. It looks like a great option if you arrive in Oaxaca early, with celebrations starting in mid October before the bigger celebrations begin in Centro on October 31.
Here’s what’s happening.
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Día de Muertos in Mitla 2026
September 28 to October 10
Camino de la Memoria
A palm market (tianguis de palma) takes place in the center of Mitla.
October 15 to November 2
Guardianes del Mictlán
An exhibition of Catrinas in the center of town.
October 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31
Camino al Mictlán
Illumination of the Grupo del Arroyo and El Calvario areas.
October 20 to 31
4th Edition of the Feria de la Flor
Head to the municipal agency of Unión Zapata for illuminated paths decorated with cempasúchil and cresta de gallo flowers.
October 24 to November 1
Ofrenda Viva
A traditional Día de Muertos market (tianguis de muertos) in the center of Mitla.
October 24
Saberes que Perduran
A presentation by the Casa de Día club.
Calaveritas Mágicas
Presentations from workshops at the Casa de la Cultura.
October 24 to 30
Entre Panes y Colores, Vive Mitla
Visit local bakeries and take part in painting pan de muerto.
October 25
2nd Edition of the Ruta del Mictlán
An athletic race starting in the center of Mitla.
October 28
Cinema Intercultural
A screening of the Mexican classic Macario in the Grupo del Arroyo.
October 29
Comparsa Calavera
A Día de Muertos parade with bands, music and costumes. It starts at the municipal cemetery.
October 30
Música para el Alma
A concert of funeral music performed by Banda “La Guadalupana” from Cuilápam de Guerrero, at the municipal esplanade.
October 31 to November 1
Choganuu Togool
Visits to traditional altars.
November 1
Visit to the Community Cemeteries
A chance to see how local families honor and remember their deceased loved ones.
November 2
Children’s Comparsa and Costume Contest
A children’s costume parade and contest.
Ritmos de Cempasúchil
A large public dance to finish off the celebrations.
Why visit Mitla for Día de Muertos?
Mitla already has a pretty special atmosphere at any time of year.
Its name comes from the Nahuatl Mictlán, meaning “Valley of the Dead,” so Día de Muertos feels particularly appropriate here.
During the celebrations, the town comes alive with traditional altars, decorations, music, parades and visits to the cemeteries. The illuminated paths and events spread over several days also give you plenty of opportunities to visit rather than having to squeeze everything into one night.
And if you’ve already spent plenty of time around the Día de Muertos celebrations in Oaxaca City, getting out to Mitla gives you a chance to see how the celebrations are experienced in another Oaxacan community.
How to get to Mitla from Oaxaca City
Mitla is approximately 40 kilometres from Oaxaca City, making it an easy trip if you’re staying in the city.
You don’t need a car either.
You can take a second-class bus or colectivo from either the Central de Abastos or Boulevard José Vasconcelos infront of the Volkswagen dealership near the baseball stadium.
Look for vehicles displaying “Mitla”.
They generally leave every 15 to 30 minutes, with the journey taking around 40 to 60 minutes.
The fare is approximately $20–$50 pesos, depending on the service.
So if you’re in Oaxaca during Día de Muertos and want to see something outside the city, Mitla could be a very good option.
I’ll hopefully be checking it out myself this year.
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Source El Heraldo de Mexico Oaxaca
