On November 1 and 2 Mexico remembers its dead, and Mexico City celebrates in a big way from late October: a parade down Paseo de la Reforma, a monumental altar in the Zócalo, cemeteries lit by candles and streets full of marigolds. Here are the 2026 dates and how to get around from Roma Norte, home of Hotel Emma Boutique.
Day of the Dead 2026 calendar in Mexico City
| Event | Dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Monumental altar (Ofrenda Monumental) | October 29 to November 2 | Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) |
| Day of the Dead Festival | October 29 to November 4 | Chapultepec Park |
| Day of the Dead Parade | Saturday, October 31, 2 p.m. | From the Diana Cazadora fountain to the Zócalo |
| La Alumbrada (candlelight vigil) | October 31 to November 2 | San Andrés Mixquic, Tláhuac |
| All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day | November 1 and 2 | Cemeteries and altars across the city |
Dates announced by Mexico City’s Ministry of Culture and local media in October 2026. Check them before heading out, along with road closures.
Day of the Dead Parade: Saturday, October 31
The parade leaves at 2 p.m. from the Diana Cazadora roundabout on Paseo de la Reforma and continues along Avenida Juárez and 5 de Mayo Street to the Zócalo. Expect floats, catrinas, giant alebrijes, music and dance. It’s free.
The Diana Cazadora is a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, so you can catch the start without taking any transport. For a front-row spot, arrive at least an hour early: Reforma fills up fast.
Monumental altar in the Zócalo
From October 29 to November 2, Plaza de la Constitución is covered in marigolds, sawdust carpets and papier-mâché figures. The 2026 altar honors La Catrina by José Guadalupe Posada and comes with free concerts and activities.
Getting there: take the Metro at Sevilla station (Line 1), 200 m from the hotel, to Pino Suárez, then change to Line 2 to Zócalo/Tenochtitlan.
Chapultepec: the festival next door
Chapultepec Park, 750 m from the hotel, has a Day of the Dead festival scheduled from October 29 to November 4. It’s the easiest plan if you’re traveling with kids, and you can pair it with Chapultepec Castle or the National Museum of Anthropology. Check opening hours before you go.
Mixquic: the night of candles
San Andrés Mixquic, in the Tláhuac borough, keeps the city’s most traditional celebration. From October 31 to November 2 its cemetery glows with thousands of candles during La Alumbrada, which lasts until dawn. It’s more than an hour’s drive from Roma Norte, longer with holiday traffic: go on an organized tour or by taxi, leave early and bring a jacket.
More seasonal plans
- Night trajinera boat rides in Xochimilco throughout the season.
- UNAM’s Megaofrenda at Ciudad Universitaria in early November.
- Mercado de Jamaica, the city’s great flower market, to see and buy marigolds.
- Museum altars, such as at the Museo de Arte Popular, 3.3 km from the hotel.
Tips for enjoying the Day of the Dead in the city
- Book your stay early: it’s one of the busiest weekends of the year.
- Check road closures from the city’s Public Safety Ministry on parade day; Reforma and downtown close for hours.
- Carry cash for markets and stalls, and a light jacket: November nights are cool.
- At cemeteries and family altars, ask before taking photos.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City?
Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 2 p.m. It starts at the Diana Cazadora roundabout and ends at the Zócalo.
How much does it cost to watch the parade?
Nothing: it’s free, and you can watch from the sidewalks of Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Juárez and 5 de Mayo.
Until when can I see the monumental altar in the Zócalo?
From October 29 to November 2, 2026.
What is celebrated on November 1 and 2?
By tradition, November 1, All Saints’ Day, honors children who have died, and November 2, All Souls’ Day, honors adults.
Where to stay for the Day of the Dead in Mexico City?
In Roma Norte, Hotel Emma Boutique is a few minutes’ walk from the parade start at the Diana Cazadora and 200 m from Sevilla Metro, with a direct line to the historic center.