Here the dead are not just mourned — they're welcomed back with brass bands, mezcal, chocolate, and pan de yema. If you're going to be in the city between late October and November 3, we've put together the calendar based on what the State Government ("La fiesta más viva de todas") and the Municipality of Oaxaca de Juárez have announced, so you don't have to guess when the comparsa leaves or which cemetery has the concert.
For the deep version — history, recommendations, cemetery guide, and full logistics — check out our complete Day of the Dead Oaxaca 2026 guide.
What to know before you go
The official celebration runs from October 26 to November 3, with over 100 activities across the capital and surrounding communities. The historic center fills with monumental altars from the 16 indigenous peoples and the Afro-Mexican community, sand tapestries, Catrina contests, and nightly comparsas. Almost everything is free and outdoors — the key is arriving early, bringing a jacket (nights are already cool), and getting around on foot.
Day of the Dead Oaxaca 2026 — day by day program
Monday, October 26
- ▸1:00 PM — Opening of the Day of the Dead sand tapestry in the Barrio Mágico de San Matías Jalatlaco. One of the largest and most photogenic of the season.
- ▸3:30 PM — Awarding of the 2026 Facade Competition in the Historic Center. A good excuse to walk and see how the old houses dress up.
- ▸5:30 PM — Circuit "Flowers that guide the soul" through San Jacinto Amilpas, San Antonio Arrazola, San Martín Tilcajete, Santo Tomás Jalieza, Teotitlán del Valle, Unión Zapata, and the Pueblo Mágico of Mitla. Ideal for seeing marigolds outside the city.
Wednesday, October 28
- ▸10:00 AM — Opening of Casa Hecho en Oaxaca, "Ofrenda y Herencia" edition, at the Real Alhóndiga de Antequera.
Thursday, October 29
- ▸6:00 PM — Ceramics exhibition inside the Palacio de Gobierno.
- ▸7:00 PM — Opening of the monumental Day of the Dead sand tapestry in the Palacio de Gobierno corridor.
Friday, October 30
- ▸4:00 PM — Divertimuertos 2026 at Paseo Juárez El Llano — Alameda de León. A family-friendly plan with activities for kids.
- ▸5:00 PM — Municipal Mega Comparsa. Departs from Parque Juárez El Llano, passes through Humboldt, García Vigil, and Morelos, and arrives at the Plaza de la Danza.
- ▸6:00 PM — Screening of the film "Macario" at the Panteón General. Watching Roberto Gavaldón's classic — the one with Death asking for a turkey — among tombs and candlelight is exactly the kind of thing that only happens here.
- ▸7:30 PM — Popular festival "XandÚ" at the Zócalo.
- ▸10:00 PM — Third athletic race "Recorrido al Mictlán", departing from the Exconvento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Running at night through the historic center, among skulls and lights.
Saturday, October 31 (the busiest day)
- ▸8:00 AM — Children's 3 km race "Divertimuertos: llenos de vida", from the Exconvento de Santo Domingo to Parque Primavera Oaxaqueña Cho Ndoba.
- ▸4:00 PM — Opening of the altar exhibition at the Zócalo.
- ▸6:00 PM — Gran Comparsa del Día de Muertos, from the Fuente de las Ocho Regiones to the Iglesia de La Merced.
- ▸7:00 PM — Illumination of niches at the Panteón General.
- ▸8:00 PM — Altar and tapestry contest at the Panteón General.
- ▸8:00 PM — Awarding of the Catrinas and Contingentes contest at the Alameda de León.
- ▸8:30 PM — Bread and hot chocolate tasting at the Panteón General. Yes, hot chocolate among candlelit graves.
- ▸9:00 PM — Spectacle "La Catrina" at the Zócalo.
Sunday, November 1
- ▸6:00 PM — Muerteada de Chinas Oaxaqueñas, from Parque Juárez El Llano to the Plaza de la Danza.
- ▸6:00 PM — Concert "Lenguas Vivas" at the Palacio de Gobierno.
Monday, November 2
- ▸6:00 PM — Concert by the "Alma de Cuerda" ensemble at Panteón San Miguel.
- ▸7:00 PM — "La noche de los muertos vivientes" performed live by Ensemble Lattice, at the Panteón General. Classic horror cinema with live music, in a cemetery. There's nothing more to say.