A celebration that connects life, death, and joy
Few experiences feel as alive as Día de los Muertos!
Every year from October 31 to November 2, Mexico fills with music, colour, and soul as families welcome back the spirits of loved ones through food, flowers, and memory.
But the purpose isn’t to mourn, it’s all about reunion! A moment when the line between worlds softens and joy takes the place of grief.
And if there is one place where that energy truly comes to life, it’s Oaxaca.
10/27/2025 – Blogpost by Ann-Marie Plumb
What is Día de los Muertos?
Often mistaken for Mexico’s version of Halloween, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is something entirely different!
It is a blend of ancient Aztec rituals and Catholic beliefs, celebrating life, death, and everything in between.
Families build ofrendas (altars) filled with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and photos of those they love. The scent of cempasúchil is said to guide spirits home, while pan de muerto and mezcal keep them company for the night.
It is not about spooky fear or darkness- It is about love, legacy, and connection!
Oaxaca: Where the streets come alive
Oaxaca City is the beating heart of the celebration.
By day, you will find markets bursting with flowers, skull-painted faces, and bands parading down cobblestone streets. By night, the cemeteries light up with candles as families share food, laughter, and mezcal with those who have passed.
It is chaotic, colourful, and completely unforgettable.
But above all, it is real. This is not a show for visitors. It is a sacred ritual that you are invited to respectfully witness (and maybe dance in).
Stay a while, slow down, and let Oaxaca show you what it means to celebrate life in full colour.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: Same spirit, slower rhythm
- If you would rather skip the crowds but still feel the magic, head to San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas.
- Here, Día de los Muertos feels gentler, more reflective, rooted in Indigenous traditions and mountain calm.
- You will still see the altars, the candles, and the parades, but everything moves at a slower pace. Families gather quietly in candlelit cemeteries, the atmosphere feels almost sacred.
Words you’ll hear (and what they mean)
If you’re celebrating in Mexico for the first time, you’ll probably hear a few new words over and over and you might be wondering what they mean – so here’s a little cheat sheet to help you out:
- Catrina
The elegant skeleton lady dressed in fancy clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. Originally created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, she’s become a symbol of the celebration, reminding everyone that death comes for all, no matter your status.
- Ofrenda
The altar is built in homes or public spaces to honor loved ones who have passed away. It’s decorated with photos, candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, favorite foods, and personal items that welcome their spirits back for the night.
- Calenda
A lively Oaxacan parade that mixes music, dancing, fireworks, and giant papier-mâché puppets called monos de calenda. You’ll see these processions filling the streets day and night during the celebrations.
- Cempasúchil
Also known as the Mexican marigold, this bright orange flower is everywhere during Día de los Muertos. Its scent and colour are believed to guide spirits back home- you’ll see trails of petals leading to doorways and altars.
- Pan de muerto
Literally “bread of the dead.” A soft, sweet bread often topped with sugar and shaped with small bone-like decorations. It’s traditionally left on ofrendas or shared among families with hot chocolate or coffee.
- Calavera
A skull – but not a scary one, you see at Halloween! You’ll find calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) made of colorful icing and sugar, used to decorate ofrendas. They represent both death and the sweetness of life.
- Mezcal
And we’re sure you already know about Oaxaca’s signature spirit, distilled from agave. It’s often shared as an offering and a toast to life. Locals say para todo mal, mezcal; para todo bien, también- for everything bad, mezcal; for everything good, mezcal too!
Why you will never forget it
Whether you are dancing in the streets of Oaxaca or lighting candles in San Cris, Día de los Muertos will stay with you long after the celebration ends!
Day of the dead is a reminder to us all…
That life is short. That love never dies.
That connection matters most of all.
So if you have ever wanted to experience something truly transformative, that you’ll remember forever- make this the year you do!
Viva la vida. Viva los muertos.
Ready to celebrate life, Co404 style?
Find your people, your rhythm, and your reason to raise a glass this Día de los Muertos.
🌼 Explore our coliving houses in Oaxaca and San Cristóbal →