Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca with Kids
If you’re considering celebrating Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, there’s truly no better place. Known for its traditions and lively atmosphere, Oaxaca comes alive during this holiday, making it an incredible experience for families. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated on November 1 and 2, honoring the memory of loved ones who have passed. While the holiday is observed throughout Mexico, Oaxaca’s festivities are amazing, with decorations, processions, music, and food that basically fills the city for a week leading up to the holiday. This isn’t just about honoring the dead—it’s a joyful celebration of life, where you’ll see graves decorated with marigolds, altars (ofrendas) with offerings to welcome the spirits of loved ones, and vibrant parades that bring the entire community together.
When is the best time to go?
For families, the best time to visit is several days to 1 week before November 1 and 2. Book accommodations early, as Oaxaca gets busy! We booked 5 months out and were cancelled on 3 months out, so be careful.
Face Painting
One of the most exciting parts of Día de los Muertos is traditional face painting, often resembling sugar skull designs (calaveras). Face-painting stations are everywhere in El Centro, and start around 100 pesos on Halloween, increasing on the main holiday. Our kids, ages 5 and 2, loved getting their faces painted, and it was a fun way to get them involved in the festivities. The colors and detailed designs were definitely a highlight!
Experience the Parades
El Centro, Oaxaca’s bustling heart, is the focal point of all Día de los Muertos activities. It’s filled with parades, music, and people in colorful costumes. Though crowded, it’s a friendly atmosphere, and the crowd flows well, making it manageable with kids. Think Mardi Gras but way better. For families with young children, staying nearby in a quieter neighborhood like Reforma is ideal. We found Reforma perfect because we could walk to El Centro but avoid the nighttime noise for little ones to sleep.
One of the best parts of Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca is the spontaneous parades, known as comparsas. These feature locals dressed as skeletons, mythical figures, and more. There isn’t a strict schedule, so simply being in the area lets you catch a parade as it winds through the streets.
A Carnival Next to a Cemetery?
Next to Panteon General in the city is a lively carnival during the holiday, with rides, games, and food stalls. Although we didn’t try the rides, they’re very kid-friendly, and the overall atmosphere is festive and exciting. Be prepared to stay up later than usual, as most events continue into the night.
Hotels in Oaxaca: Hotels in the center
| Hotel | Stars | Discount | Price before and discount | Select dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Marques Del Valle | ★★★ | -21% | 148 116 | View hotel |
| Hotel Azul de Oaxaca | ★★★★ | -9% | 306 278 | View hotel |
| Hotel Boutique Casa Catrina | ★★★★★ | -33% | 314 211 | View hotel |
| El Callejón Hotel Boutique | ★★★★★ | -13% | 514 445 | View hotel |
Ofrendas
One must-do experience is visiting the beautifully decorated cemeteries. Graves are adorned with marigolds, candles, and food offerings, creating a peaceful and meaningful atmosphere. While some opt for cemetery tours, these can be pricey and may not include all the expected stops (this happened to us). We wish we would have explored a cemetery on our own, which would have given us more flexibility. Hiring a taxi is an affordable and convenient way to do a self-guided tour. Many families even bring small offerings, like chocolate, flowers, or candles, to add to the decorations.
Must eats
Elotes
When it comes to family-friendly dining, Oaxaca’s street food scene is a must. Elotes, cooked corn on the cob over an open flame with mayonnaise spread over and cheese sprinkled on top, a favorite among locals and visitors, are budget-friendly and delicious, you’ll have to see if your kids are fan of the mayonnaise and cheese. Oaxaca’s street vendors offer a variety of treats, so come with an appetite and be ready to try something new. For family-friendly restaurants, Oaxaca has plenty of options, and it’s always helpful to ask locals or check reviews.
Cost of Activities
Budgeting is essential with all the activities. Face painting typically costs about 100 pesos for a design, but vendors might charge closer to 200 pesos on the main holiday. Cemetery tours can cost around 700-1200 pesos per person, though a taxi can be more affordable and flexible. Street food is budget-friendly, with prices ranging from 20-50 pesos, making it easy to enjoy local flavors without breaking the bank.
Pro tip: if you’re considering a cemetery tour, check the itinerary first. Our tour only included one cemetery and a party outside the city, which wasn’t what we expected. Visiting on your own may be easier and allow you to take in the beauty of each cemetery at your own pace.
Tips for Families Visiting Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca:
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Book Early: The city fills up quickly, so plan accommodations well in advance.
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Stay Nearby: Neighborhoods like Reforma offer quiet nights but are close enough to walk to El Centro.
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Bring Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking! Strollers or carriers are also useful for young kids.
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Shop Around for Face Painting: Prices vary by vendor, so you can save by comparing options.
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Budget for Street Food: Delicious and affordable, Oaxaca’s street food is a great way to try local flavors.
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Consider Self-Guided Cemetery Tours: This can be more flexible and budget-friendly than formal tours.
Final Thoughts
Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca was a truly incredible experience for our family. Watching our kids’ excitement during the parades, seeing them embrace face painting, and exploring the lively city made for unforgettable memories. The warmth of the atmosphere even encouraged our 2-year-old, who can be shy, to embrace the festivities.
Experiencing Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca with kids is a beautiful way to connect with Mexican culture. Between the face painting, decorated cemeteries, parades, and delicious food, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning to experience Día de los Muertos, Oaxaca is the place. Embrace the festivities, immerse in the traditions, and enjoy this colorful, meaningful holiday as a family.
Embrace the magic of Oaxaca during Día de los Muertos—it’s a family adventure you’ll never forget!
More on the Blog:
See how much we paid for 1 week in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead.
