Day of the Dead 2027

TRADITION & TASTE

Oaxaca: The Soul of Mexico

Experience true Mexican culture through old family recipes, candlelit local traditions, and special tastings that highlight the real flavors of different generations

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Each November 1st and 2nd, Oaxaca becomes Mexico’s heartland for Day of the Dead—a vibrant blend of pre-Hispanic heritage and Catholic faith. Far from a sombre occasion, it is a joyous celebration of life and memory, honoring the continuous bond shared with those who came before us.

The experience unfolds a week early at the Mercado de Abastos, where markets overflow with golden marigolds, artisanal altars, and the comforting aromas of traditional mole negro, pan de yema, and Oaxacan chocolate. It is an extraordinary immersion into culture, remembrance, and the beauty of honoring life past and present.

Oaxacan Altars

Built in local homes on October 30th and 31st, Oaxacan altars are living works of art framed by archways of sugarcane and adorned with white sheets and marigolds. Designed to welcome weary souls back from their long journey, these altars are a celebration of memory, comforting returning spirits with the comforting aromas of earthly life.

The Offerings: Relatives lay out an extraordinary feast—stone-ground Oaxacan chocolate, fresh pan de muerto, nicuatole (corn jelly), and rich, home-spiced mole, alongside glasses of water to quench the spirits' thirst.

The Return: On October 31st, the souls of children (angelitos) are welcomed first, followed by the adults on November 2nd, both gathering to feast on the essence of these beloved regional flavors.

Step into the heart of village traditions, where Todos Santos is a joyful, high-energy homecoming shared between the living and the departed.

Sacred Spaces: Wander illuminated village cemeteries and private altars overflowing with marigolds and light.
The Comparsas: Immerse yourself in colorful local street theater representing the journey of souls returning home.
Designed for You: Our itinerary blends expert-led city highlights with open time to explore surrounding villages on your own terms.

Day of the dead Day of the Dead Oaxaca

In villages outside the city of Oaxaca, the celebration of Muertos is most commonly known as Todos Santos, or All Saints. This day is often the most celebrated day of the year. The altars found in the homes of the villagers and in cemeteries are honored by all. It is most commonly located in the cemetery and during the course of Muertos, one will find the graves wonderfully decorated with candles, flowers and food.

During this time the living join together to rejoice the return of their ancestors. Visiting cemeteries and homes enables one to enjoy the richness of this celebration. The energy of the occasion is awesome. All present rejoice in the happy reunions, and you too shall feel the presence of the departed souls returned!

In addition to visiting homes and cemeteries, one may experience the cultural richness of this time by getting involved in the Comparsas, theatrical performances representing the return of the dead, which take place in various outlying villages.

You will find that there is much to see and do in the city of Oaxaca and in the outlying villages. For this reason, we designed the Day of the Dead itinerary, considering time for you to stay in the city to experience the altars and comparsas with us. This freedom enables you to design your own days, yet guarantees an all-encompassing series of events sure to deliver the diverse wonders of Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebration.

Oaxaca cultural tours

Day of the Dead Itinerary

October 26 to November 2, 2027

(8 Days - 7 Nights)

The creation of the Day of the Dead tour involved extensive research and careful planning.

We are certain that it will be an enlightening and enjoyable experience for all! Please scroll down for the specific daily activities and events.

DAY 1 - Tuesday October 26th

Based on your flight itinerary, we will pick you up at Oaxaca’s International Airport and provide ground transportation to your hotel. Directing our focus to the heart of the city, we will then hit the streets for an introductory walking tour of historic downtown Oaxaca.

DAY 2 - Wednesday October 27th

After breakfast, we will explore the studio and gallery of a renowned contemporary woodcarving artist in San Martín Tilcajete. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch on the beautiful patio of a traditional local restaurant featuring handmade tortillas. Discover the entire mezcal-making process during an afternoon tour of an authentic Oaxacan palenque, covering everything from agave cultivation to distillation and bottling, complete with a guided tasting. Conclude your day with a trip to San Bartolo Coyotepec, the celebrated capital of Barro Negro (Black Pottery).

DAY 3 - Thursday October 28th

We will start our morning with breakfast before heading to Teotitlán del Valle, where we will take a cooking class with a traditional cook. First, we'll visit the local market to select our fresh ingredients, then head to a traditional kitchen to prepare a full three-course meal. Like most women in her village, our cook learned to make tortillas, toast chiles, and grind ingredients on the metate as a child—embracing cooking as a way of life from an early age. Upon returning to Oaxaca, we will take a guided tour of the majestic Santo Domingo Church, Museum, and Cultural Center, famous for its gilded Baroque interior and historic artifacts.

DAY 4 - Friday October 29th

We will kick off the morning an immersive tour of the historic downtown markets to discover vibrant spice stalls, sample mole negro ingredients, browse altar decorations, and stop by a famous local chocolate shop along the way. Next, we will visit the prestigious Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca (IAGO) to explore its collection of regional printmaking and contemporary Mexican art. Afterwards, we recommend trying one of our curated Top Oaxaca Restaurants and Hidden Gems for lunch to savor authentic regional specialties. You will then have a free afternoon to relax, shop, or join your tour leader for a casual walking tour through the historic streets.

DAY 5 - Saturday October 30th

After a delicious breakfast, we will hit the road for an excursion into the surrounding villages. The trip includes visits to the archaeological town of Mitla (also famous for mezcal), Teotitlán del Valle (known for its intricate weaving traditions), and Santa María del Tule, home of the grand Tule tree, one of the widest trees in the world. We will enjoy our lunch in Santa María del Tule at a traditional local restaurant. Meet a master weaver for a live demonstration of traditional weaving techniques and learn about the history behind these intricate artisanal textiles.

DAY 6 - Sunday October 31st

Our day begins by immersing ourselves in the spirit of Day of the Dead as the city readies itself for the grand celebration. We will start with a hands-on altar building activity, discovering the deep symbolism behind each offering. Afterward, the energy of Oaxaca invites us to explore the lively streets, taking in the colorful decorations, music, and spontaneous comparsas (traditional festive parades) as the festivities build up.

Midday brings us together for lunch at one of Oaxaca’s premier fine-dining restaurants, indulging in an exceptional culinary experience. The celebration continues throughout the afternoon with endless sights, vibrant traditions, and local atmosphere filling the historic center, leading into the evening when we will gather to visit a historic local cemetery to witness the greatly anticipated Day of the Dead traditions first-hand.

DAY 7 - Monday November 1st

After our unforgettable night at the cemetery, we will take a well-deserved morning to rest before gathering for a delicious, late-morning breakfast. Rested and refreshed, we will set off to experience two deeply cultural Oaxacan landmarks, opening with the ancient ruins of Monte Albán,, the historic Zapotec capital that flourished from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D. Following this, we will visit Arrazola,, a town renowned for its imaginative and brightly painted wooden alebrijes. Wrap up the day by dining at a cherished gastronomic institution where a legendary chef masterminds traditional Oaxacan dishes featuring profound heirloom profiles, celebrated for dishing up the state's premier, most intricate moles.

DAY 8 - Tuesday November 2nd

We will provide ground transportation to the Airport based on your schedule.

Buen viaje, nos vemos pronto!

Day of the Dead
Agenda

Buy here

* 7 nights lodging in a boutique hotel in downtown Oaxaca

* Dinner or lunch at the best examples of Oaxacan food in town

* Airport transfers

* Ground transportation within Oaxaca

* Entrance fees to museums, archeological sites and excursions

* English speaking guides

* All breakfasts will be enjoyed at some of the most traditional, high-quality restaurants in the heart of Oaxaca City. As for the cooking class, immediately following the session, the dishes you prepare will be served for your lunch.

* The experience includes 2 meals per day throughout the trip.

Items Not Included

* Air Fares and Airport Taxes.

* Alcoholic drinks.

* Personal expenses, meals not included in the itinerary, tips and gratuities and other independent tour guides.

* Any other incidentals not listed under “Items Included”

The schedule, activities, excursions and restaurants are subject to change based on availability and other factors not in control of MOC Adventures.

**Our group tours are limited to a maximum of 10 people

8 Days – 7 Nights

$3,495 USD per person based on double occupancy (taxes included)
$295 USD single supplement applies

Note: To book a 25% deposit must be paid. This deposit is NON-refundable.

Remaining 75% must be paid 60 days prior to your arrival, also NON-refundable.