Event Dates
From: Saturday, October 17, 2026
To: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Experience the traditions of Mexico City’s Day of the Dead festival
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.
Day of the Dead Celebrations
- Saturday 17th October, 2026 – Tuesday 3rd November, 2025 – 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.
Day of the Dead Parade – When are dates released?
- The Day of the Dead parade is typically released quite late each year. If you want to make sure you catch it while planning in advance, plan to be in Mexico City from the 30th December until at least the 2nd of November in 2026.
- Pre-Parades typically begin on the weekend before Halloween and continue trough to the beginning of November.
- Previous events have been held on both the Saturday and Sunday closest to the day of the dead, depending on when the Halloween falls.
- Traditional Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead events are always held on the 1st and 2nd of November.
Parade Dates for 2026
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates and theme.
- Mexico’s day of the dead parade typically begins at 2 pm.
- The parade leaves through the Puerta de los Leones, which is located on Paseo de la Reforma, and arrives at the Zócalo Capitalino later in the evening. There will be many surprises here that have never been seen before.
- 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! For the best parade views, grab a spot along Paseo de la Reforma. People tend to arrive early. After one hour before the parade, you wont find a front row space.
- 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.
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.
Parade of the Alebrijes
- Typically the third Saturday in October – (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 5th.
Parade of Catrinas
- Typically the fourth Sunday in October – 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.
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 and parties during Halloween & Day of the Dead
- Bearmex invites you to Hallowoof, one of the most popular gay costume parties in the city.
- Jubileo presents the biggest circuit party in the city with a unique theme each year.
- Pervert, a travelling underground party playing the best disco house and techno music in Mexico City.
- Blow Bar hosts HallowQueen, complete with costume competitions and a weekend of parties, with drag queens, gogos and fun vibes.
- Soberbia, one of our favourite bars in Mexico City, with a wide range of music, super-cool interior and authentic feel, with stunning “led light mannequins”.
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.
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
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
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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