Event Dates
From: Saturday, October 17, 2026
To: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Experience the traditions of Mexico City’s Day of the Dead festival
Mexico City marks Día de Muertos with monumental altars, costumed processions and public celebrations, with gay parties adding a separate late-night programme. Build your visit around the Reforma parade, then leave time for the quieter traditions behind the spectacle.
- Stay close to the start of the parade at the Mumedi Design Hotel, rated “Exceptional” by guests, offering great breakfast, beautiful rooms and exceptional service.
Day of the Dead Celebrations
- Saturday Saturday, October 17, 2026 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – Events kick off from the third Saturday in October with festivities running right through to the traditional end of the Day of the Dead celebrations on the 5th of November.
- Arrive on Friday to settle in before Saturday’s parade, with Sunday and Monday available for exploring and remembrance celebrations.
- For Jubileo Circuit Parties and the Catrinas procession, choose the earlier weekend, Friday 23rd October to Monday 26th October.
- Staying across both weekends gives you time to combine the club programme with museums, neighbourhood walks and the main celebrations.
What Día de Muertos Means
- Día de Muertos honours deceased relatives and loved ones through offerings, food, flowers and family remembrance.
- Ofrendas, the commemorative altars, often include photographs, candles and favourite foods, with marigold petals helping mark the symbolic journey home.
- Customs vary between communities. Treat family altars and cemetery visits as acts of remembrance, asking permission before photographing people.
- Halloween costume parties form a separate part of the city’s nightlife programme.
The Main Parade
- Next Edition: Saturday 31st October 2026, from 2 pm.
- The official route runs along Paseo de la Reforma towards the Zócalo.
- Choose a viewing position around Reforma near the Ángel de la Independencia if you want easy access to Zona Rosa afterwards.
- Arrive around two hours before the start for a better chance of finding a clear street-level view.
- Pick one viewing area and enjoy the procession there. Following it to the Zócalo means moving through large crowds.
- Carry water, sun protection and a light layer for later. Agree on a meeting point with your group before the streets fill.
Parade Views from your Hotel
- We recommend you are at street-level to experience the best of the parade, however the following option is also a worthwhile experience if you want to host your own private viewing party:
- For a view of the parade from your hotel, book a stay at The Zócalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City Hotel – Go for a Junior Suite with city view, perfect for hosting a viewing event. The Travel Proud certified hotel is rated “Wonderful” by guests with charming period features with high-end amenities.
Alebrijes and Catrinas
- The Alebrijes parade takes place on Saturday 17th October at noon, departing from the Zócalo.
- These large fantasy creatures celebrate Mexican craft and imagination rather than forming the main Día de Muertos parade.
- The Catrinas procession is a separate event on Sunday 25th October.
- Keep it distinct from the main parade when planning your trip.
- If booking face painting, allow time for queues and choose your artist before settling into your parade viewing position.
Cultural Schedule 2026
DatE Event Venue Saturday
17th October
NoonAlebrijes Monumentales Parade Departs from the Zócalo towards Paseo de la Reforma. 23rd October
to 8th November
Hours TBCEl Camino Light Installation Reforma, between the Ángel de la Independencia and Puerta de los Leones. Sunday
25th October
Time TBCMega Procesión de las Catrinas Paseo de la Reforma. 29th October
to 2nd November
Hours TBCOfrenda Monumental Zócalo, Centro Histórico. 29th October
to 4th November
Hours TBCChapultepec Día de Muertos Festival Paseo de los Compositores and Lago Mayor, Chapultepec Second Section. Saturday
31st October
2 pmGran Desfile de Día de Muertos Paseo de la Reforma towards the Zócalo. 31st October
to 2nd NovemberMixquic Celebrations San Andrés Mixquic, Tláhuac. La Alumbrada takes place on Monday 2nd November at night. Gay Parties
- Jubileo Mictlán begins on Saturday 24th October at 9 pm, followed by Savage Lemonade afterwards, from 6 am on Sunday 25th October.
- Pervert hosts Día de Muertxxxs on Saturday 31st October, from 10 pm to 5 am, at Ex Fábrica de Harina Andén Tacuba. Playing a mix of house and techno, perfect for visitors seeking an underground queer party.
- Guilt advertises Saturday nights from 11 pm at Coahuila 92, Roma complete with a Halloween costume contest.
- Bearmex Hallowoof Saturday, 31st October 2026, from 9 pm to 4 am. Bearmex takes over La Maraka in Narvarte for “ICONIC”, an eighties-themed Halloween party with resident DJs Luggio, Montejo and Oscar Tovar, drag performers and the Bearmex gogos.
Before the Party
- El Taller – Poular gay bar in the basement at Florencia 37-A, Zona Rosa. It opens daily from 6 pm, with drag shows, DJs and go-go performers.
- Cabaré-Tito Fusión – At Londres 77, with shows, DJs and guest artists from 7 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Choose it for an evening that begins with entertainment before moving to a larger party.
- Blow Bar – Niza 40 hosts HallowQueen, complete with costume competitions and a weekend of parties, with drag queens, gogos and fun vibes.
- Eat before starting the bar crawl. A parade afternoon followed by a club night makes a long day, so leave time to rest and change.
- For Pervert, arrange transport to the venue after your pre-party stop. It is in the Tacuba area, outside the Zona Rosa and Roma nightlife cluster.
After the Parade and Later at Night
- La Purísima – A good option if you finish the day in Centro Histórico. At República de Cuba 17, the club combines high ceilings, religious imagery, illuminated altars and neon crosses with a busy central floor. Music covers commercial pop, reggaeton and cumbia, attracting a mixed queer crowd.
- Soberbia – Great for a post parade drink, at República de Cuba 2 in the Historic Centre. The bright frontage opens into a ground-floor club where much of the space is given over to the crowd, with hanging mannequin limbs, pink neon and pop imagery decorating the interior. Spanish-language pop, reggaeton and commercial hits suit a lively, informal night with a mixed LGBT crowd.
- Guilt suits guests returning to Roma for a late Saturday night. Check reservations and the current programme before going.
- If attending Pervert until 5 am, arrange a car back to your hotel rather than planning another cross-city stop.
- The following day, keep the morning slow: brunch in Roma, a neighbourhood walk and an afternoon visit to the cultural displays make a manageable programme.
Where to Stay
For a first visit, Reforma and Zona Rosa provide the most practical combination of parade access and gay nightlife. Roma suits a longer stay centred on restaurants and neighbourhood life; Centro Histórico puts the public celebrations close to your hotel.
Reforma and Zona Rosa
- Zona Rosa keeps you close to the bars around Amberes, Florencia and Londres, with Reforma within walking distance.
- Choose this area if you want to watch the parade, return to your room and head out again without a major transfer.
- A hotel one or two streets away from the late-night bars can offer a better balance between access and sleep.
Roma
- Roma is a strong base for cafés, restaurants and a longer city break.
- It suits visitors combining Guilt with daytime exploring, with transfers needed for Centro Histórico and Pervert.
- Choose it for the whole holiday rather than a promised view of the parade.
Centro Histórico
- Zócalo is a must if you want to be in the heart of historic buildings and easy access to the central festivities.
- It works particularly well for guests who prioritise cultural visits over the Zona Rosa bar crawl.
- Expect busy streets around major events. Ask your hotel about vehicle access and an alternative drop-off point.
Recommended Hotels
- Mexico City Marriott Reforma – Great choice on Reforma, with dining, fitness and spa facilities. Book for easy access to the avenue and nearby Zona Rosa.
- Hotel Geneve – Historic hotel at Londres 130, placing you directly in Zona Rosa. A heritage building, filled with character, plus the added convenience of returning on foot from the neighbourhood’s bars. It is a gay-nightlife base rather than a parade-view hotel.
- Xoma by Viadora – An all-suite stay in Roma Norte, with private balconies, kitchens, marble bathrooms and a rooftop pool. A good choice for several nights, couples wanting extra space or guests who prefer a more residential base between parties.
- Zócalo Central – Great for the historic centre and views over the main square from selected rooms. The rooftop restaurant and 24-hour Café Central add convenience during a busy sightseeing weekend.
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Sheraton offers breathtaking views of
the city, large rooms and a rooftop pool
For further information and advice on
Day of the Dead Mexico The Website
Mexico City’s best gay bars are located within a short walking distance of all the best hotels in the popular Zona Rosa.
Address: Liverpool 155, Zona Rosa, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: Paseo de la Reforma 325, Col. Cuauhtémoc, 06500
Address: Londres 130, Colonia Juárez, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: Hamburgo 195, Colonia Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Address: Calz. Gral. Mariano Escobedo 716, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo
Address: Manuel María Contreras 11, San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, 06470
Address: Amberes 15-A, Col. Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 CDMX
Address: Florencia 35-B, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Mexico City
Address: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 43, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc,
Address: Calle General Prim 9, Colonia Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 357, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100
Address: República de Cuba 45 Col. Centro Cuauhtémoc CDMX
Address: Calle de Niza 40, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: República de Cuba 18, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, 06000
Address: Calle Amberes 18, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Address: Amberes 21, Planta Baja, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Address: República de Cuba 17, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, 06010
Address: Londres 142, Planta Alta, esquina Amberes, Zona Rosa
Address: Londres 77, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 CDMX, Mexico
Address: Florencia 37-B, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: Calle Amberes 1, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: Nicho Bears & Bar, Londres 182, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Address: Londres 179, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: Londres 182, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: Versalles 64 Col. Juárez Cuauhtémoc CDMX
Address: Coahuila 92 Col. Roma Norte Cuauhtémoc CDMX
Address: Calle Amberes 18, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México
Address: Calle República de Cuba 8, Centro Histórico
Address: República de Cuba 44, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, 06010
Address: República de Cuba 2, Centro Histórico
Address: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 123, sexto piso, Centro
Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 228, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
Address: Génova 34, 2nd floor, Col. Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 CDMX
Address: Amberes 19, Col. Juárez, Cuauhtémoc (entry via Erotika)
Florencia 56, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Big gay bar with regular event night and drag shows
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We have chosen hotels in Mexico City that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Mexicans celebrate first Day of the Dead procession
Zona Rosa is perhaps the most well-known LGBTQ+ area in Mexico City. It’s located in the heart of the city and offers a mix of bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s known for its lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere.
Condesa is a 15 minute walk from Zona Rosa, a trendy neighborhood with LGBTQ+ friendly cafes, & art scenes.
Next to Condesa & offers a similar atmosphere. It’s known for its historic architecture, trendy eateries.

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