Day of the Dead Mexico 2023

Day of the Dead Mexico Dia de los Muertos 2023

The annual day of the dead festivities have become hugely popular in Mexico with international visitors. The main parade in the city centre is a spectacular production. In addition, many of the gay parties and clubs host special costume parties and day of the dead theme events in the week leading up to the parade.

• 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.

The Parade Dates for 2023

• Parades typically begin on the weekend before Halloween (21st Oct 2023) and continue trough to the beginning of November.
• The dates for the main parade are always announced late. Previous events have been held on both the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend before or of Halloween, depending on when the Halloween falls.
• Make sure your stay includes the weekend of the 27th to 29th of October 2023 to ensure you don’t miss the main event.
• Traditional Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead  events are always held on the 1st and 2nd of November.

Parade of the Alebrijes

• October 21st –  (brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures).
• The parade will begin at 10:00 am at the Independence Monument and pass along Paseo de la Reforma, Sevilla, Salamanca and ended in Alvaro Obregon
• If you miss the alebrijes parade, they will be on display in the Angel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence) until November 6.

Parade of Catrinas

• October 22nd  – Catrinas are those skeletal depictions that have become an icon of Day of the Dead,
• The parade will begin at 6.30pm from the Angel of Independence monument for a march of approximately four kilometers (2.5 miles) towards the Zócalo
• To get a catrina face paint, expect to find face painters wherever Día de Muertos festivities are taking place. Good spots in Mexico City to find make-up are typically the Zocalo and Jardin Centenario in Coyoacan.

Day of the Dead Parade

• October 28th  – The parade leaves through the Puerta de los Leones, which is located on Paseo de la Reforma, and arrives at the Zócalo Capitalino at night . There will be many surprises here that have never been seen before.
• This year’s International Day of the Dead parade in Mexico city begins at 5 pm.
• The event will last 3.5 hours over a 1.2 km long route featuring, 10 spectacular floats , 29 epic moving props , 4 monumental balloons and 1200 participants.
• Continue your party  later on at Mexico’ biggest gay Halloween circuit event by Jubileo
• Tip – Arrive at least two hours early. More than 1 million spectators are expected to attend the event. Consider seeking out a less crowded spot midway down Reforma. But be prepared to walk to the Zocalo to experience the drone show and concert at the end of the parade route.

El Zócalo

• Officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, El Zócalo is the main public square and one of the most recognizable places in Mexico City.
• It contains a giant Mexican flag at its center and has been the centerpiece of public gatherings since the days of the Aztecs.
• For epic views in one of the city’s upscale districts, stay close by at the W Mexico City. Alternatively check out the Suites Obelisk nearby, with excellent rates, large rooms and a fully equipped gym.

History of the event

• The parade is a relatively new event, inspired by the James Bond film, Spectre. The Day of the Dead parade, complete with floats, giant skeleton marionettes and more than 1,000 actors, dancers and acrobats in costumes takes place in the heart of the city.
• Day of the Dead dates back to the Aztec period and celebrants believe the spirits of their deceased loved ones return for a visit. Families build altars adored with photographs, votive candles and items the deceased enjoyed such as food and drink – even tequila or mezcal.
• The event is part of La Catrina Fest which aims to showcase traditional Mexican cultures and traditions in a bright and modern way!

Dates to remember

The parade is a relatively new event and the date changes each year. Unfortunately, it is invariably announced close to the event, however it typically takes place on the weekend closest to October 31st. Official dates for historic Halloween celebrations are as follows:

• October 31: eve of Dia de Muertos and is also known as noche de brujas (night of the witches).
• November 1: Day of the Innocents, commemorates deceased children.
• November 2: the actual Day of the Dead.

Where to stay during Mexico City’s Day of the dead celebrations

• Stay in the heart of the Zona Rosa, the city’s gay neighbourhood and home to some great bars and clubs. It is also close to where the main day of the dead parade and celebrations are held.
• The Hotel and Suites PF are right in the heart of the gay district, steps from the clubs and bars. Rooms are comfortable with a great range of amenities and staff are friendly.
• The Hotel Geneve is a beautiful grand old hotel with amazing historic decor and excellent service.

Gay Circuit Events during Halloween & Day of the Dead

• Saturday October 28th – Bearmex invites you to Hallowoof, one of the most popular gay costume parties in the city.
• Saturday October 28th – Jubileo presents Mario’s Kingdom, the biggest circuit party in the city. Hola Luigi!
• Wednesday November 1st – Nasty hosts Mastermind, the biggest gay Day of the Dead dance party.
• Saturday November 4th – Pervert,  a travelling underground party playing the best disco house and techno music in Mexico City.

Recommended Hotels in Mexico City

Here are the our recommended hotels that are all close to the city’s top attractions and the Day of The Dead celebrations:

Hotel Geneve,    Room Mate,    Suites Berna 12,    NH Collection