Day of the Dead

Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that celebrates this day (Dia de los Muertos), in which people go to the cemeteries to offer tribute to their departed ones, and decorate their graves with marigolds and bright colors. But this is not a sad celebration, on the contrary, people give family and friends candy treats in the shape of skulls and bones made of sugar and chocolate, as well as delicious bread called "Pan de Muerto". Don't miss a visit to a public market to find these delicacies, and watch out for the parades to and from the local cemeteries. In Mexico City, festivities include the lively Desfile de Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead Parade) which was inspired by the James Bond movie, Spectre. The parade includes people dressed as calaveras catrinas and huge colorful alebrije balloon as well as floats and marching bands. The parade route goes up Reforma and over to the Zocalo. In Xochimilco, there are Day of the Dead parties on the canals and the already colorful trajineras are decked out in marigolds, skeletons and wildly fanciful themes.

• market
• family

Hours

November 1–2