If you want to extend your trip, Oaxaca is one of the most festive places to witness the Day of the Dead. (You can do most of this in the
centro, transportation required for the vigils) If you haven't seen the Disney animated film,
Coco it's a fun introduction to this national celebration.
"Pre-hispanic Mexico was perfectly [in sync with] the concept of life and death as a permanent cycle, and so, within their rituals, both represented
happiness and so, both should be constantly honored and celebrated...Here's how Day of the Dead is done in Oaxaca:
"
30th of October: ...Pan de Muerto fair usually located by the municipal palace. Lots of open-air events start happening like local plays, music, and performances.
31st of October: a plethora of events
[like cemetery] vigils at
Xoxo and
Atzompa...
Do not drink or wear costumes to the vigils."
"November 1st: This is the day for [children's souls] to arrive...get your face painted, your costume, and when you head to Etla to join a muerteada [parade]. Make sure you have your own mezcal bottle [to share] and a bamboo shot (no plastic please).
November 2nd: called the fieles difuntos day and this is when all the adult [souls] are expected...all the events in the city continue. You can continue looking at the altars, attending the exhibitions, catching up with the downtown muerteadas, and definitely head to La Plaza de la Danza to check out the sand tapestries for which there is a contest...there is a big concert (at cost) in the convention center of the city."