10 Things to do on the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
Actualizado: 6 sept 2022
Day of the Dead is a celebration on November 1st and 2nd, where people honor their dead loved ones. People from all over Mexico flock to Oaxaca City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its rich culture, gastromy, and distinctive architecture.
Here are ten things you should do in Oaxaca when coming for Day of the Dead
1. Participate in a "Comparsa."
The "comparsas" are public representations of singers, musicians, artists, and people disguised as elements related to public life or death. It is a way to ironize characters of daily life and death.
2. Eat "Mole Negro"
It is the main dish of any party, weddings, baptisms, and even funerals, and the Day of the Dead is the most honored holiday in Oaxaca.
Because of the diversity and richness of its ingredients, its aroma is so exquisite it even raises a dead person.
3. Visiting a market
Markets are the central meeting point to buy all the products related to the Day of the Dead, flowers, fruits, dried chilies, bread, chocolate, and decorations.
Witness the cultural dynamics on Day of the Dead
4. Eating pan de Muerto
It is an essential characteristic of the Day of the Dead.
The inclusion of pan de Muerto is a must on any altar.
There is a great variety of presentations. The classic representation is a yolk bread with anise and has a bit of starch face decoration. It is a representation of the burial of a person.
In Mexico City, decorations with sugar represent a dead person's bones.
5. Drinking chocolate.
A pre-Hispanic drink of great tradition, one of the best contributions to the culinary world is chocolate.
In Oaxaca, we drink it with water, but you can also drink it with milk.
It is hand-shaken with a wooden grinder and a small jar from Santa Maria Atzompa.
Perfect to fill up with energy and go out to explore the city.
6. Set up an Altar or Ofrenda
In Oaxaca, it is customary to set up an altar or "ofrenda" for those loved ones who have departed before us.
Every year, At La Betulia Day of the Dead Tour, guests and staff set up an altar honoring our departed loved ones.
7. Visiting a cemetery
In Oaxaca, people visit their dead on the night of October 31, November 1, and 2.
8. Join a Day of the Dead Tour with Fundación En Vía
Be part of a unique and incredible experience by participating in the activities of the communities near Oaxaca on the Day of the Dead.
Discover another perspective of the Day of the Dead.
A unique and intimate cultural exchange thanks to the hospitality of the members of Fundación En Vía.
Leave a positive footprint.
9. Sand mats hunt.
In the city of Oaxaca and its surroundings, it is possible to find exhibitions of tapetes de Arena, among them in Alcala Street, in the Alameda, and in the cemetery of Xoxocotlan.
10. Walk through the city of Oaxaca and enjoy the day of the Dead Street Art
The final thing to remember when visiting Oaxaca during the Day of the Dead or any other time of year is to make sure you start appreciating understanding and as many things as possible. This will provide you with a unique perspective on Mexican culture and make your time in Mexico, in general, a much more rewarding experience.
Join our Day of the Dead tour https://www.labetulia.com/dayofthedead