Event Dates
From: Saturday, October 21, 2023
To: Thursday, November 2, 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
- To be confirmed – (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
Parade of Catrinas
- To be confirmed – 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
- To be confirmed – 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.
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:
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.
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Mexico City that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The NH Mexico City Reforma features an outdoor pool, a restaurant and air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. It is set in the centre of the popular Zona Rosa district. All the rooms come with a Nespresso machine, 48-inch TV, safety box for laptop and European plugs. The bathrooms have rain showers and telephone shower. A breakfast buffet is available each morning.
Located in Zona Rosa one block from Paseo de la Reforma’s office buildings, the Galeria Plaza Reforma attracts both business travelers and vacationers. This distinguished 434 room hotel is surrounded by the capital city’s financial and commercial district where one can find exclusive restaurants, shops and boutiques. Award-winning service has positioned Galeria Plaza as a modern yet comfortable 5-star hotel
Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel Towers has a privileged location in the heart of Mexico City’s financial district. WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, a minibar and cable channels. The beds with plush mattress, a comforter and plush pillows. Bathrooms have a bath or a shower. A desk, a safety deposit box and ironing facilities.
This historic hotel is conveniently placed in Juarez, Mexico’s Pink Zone, moments from shops, restaurants and attractions, and combines historic charm with modern amenities and facilities, including an on-site spa. Free parking is available on site. Situated within walking distance of the city’s main tourist attractions. Guests can easily visit Paseo de la Reforma, Chapultepec Park and much more.
Mexicans celebrate first Day of the Dead procession
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Expedia
We have chosen hotels in Mexico City that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
This hotel features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a fitness center, a bar/lounge, and a snack bar/deli are onsite. All 240 rooms feature thoughtful touches like pillow menus and bathrobes, plus free WiFi and LCD TVs with cable channels. Guests will also find iPod docks, 24-hour room service, and private court yards.
Along with a full-service spa, this smoke-free hotel has an indoor pool and a restaurant. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a fitness center, a bar/lounge, and massage/treatment rooms. All 153 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and minibars. Thoughtful touches include bathrobes and slippers, and guests will also find rainfall showerheads and LCD TVs.
Along with an indoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and 3 bars/lounges. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a fitness center, valet parking, and massage/treatment rooms are onsite. All 275 rooms offer comforts like premium bedding and pillow menus, plus free WiFi and 24-hour room service. Other amenities available to guests include LED TVs, minibars, and coffee makers.
This smoke-free hotel features a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool. Other amenities include a restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar/lounge. All 322 rooms offer comforts like pillowtop beds and pillow menus, plus 24-hour room service and LED TVs with cable channels. Guests will also find WiFi, minibars, and coffee makers.