Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: why it’s the best place to go

Every year, travellers from all around the world head to Oaxaca, Mexico, for one of the country’s most meaningful celebrations: Day of the Dead (October 31 to November 2).

Known locally as Día de los Muertos, the festival is often misunderstood as Mexico’s version of Halloween — but in reality, as CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guide Erick Sebastián Reyes says, it’s a deeply rooted cultural tradition honouring loved ones who have passed.

“This is more about the Mexican traditions, the food, the music and celebrating the life of sadly, the people who are not here with us anymore,” he said.

Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most iconic festivals, and this year, Reyes will help lead travellers through the experience and traditions first-hand in Oaxaca, Mexico with National Geographic Journeys.

According to Reyes, there isn’t a better place in Mexico to celebrate the festival than Oaxaca.

Why Oaxaca is the best place to celebrate Day of the Dead

“Oaxaca’s one of the only places in Mexico where you can experience everything just in one place,” he said.

“We have food, the markets, the flowers, beautiful architecture and also a lot of local people. They are very devoted to the celebrations.”

Reyes has spent Day of the Dead with travellers from around the world in the past, and says some of his best memories are witnessing the connections that are formed between them and local communities.

“Our travellers also want to be a part of the traditions. Especially when we go to the cemeteries and I see how they sit next to the families, trying to talk to them even though they don’t speak any Spanish,” he recalls.

“I love how they bring flowers or they bring something to show respect to the families. That really moves me a lot.”

In addition to learning about Indigenous culture and Oaxacan music, Reyes says many people leave with a better understanding and appreciation for what the altars and ofrendas (offerings) represent.

“They learn that it’s not only putting candles, pictures, or just beautiful flags of different colours. Now they understand that every little detail has a meaning and that’s what makes it very important for Mexican traditions,” said Reyes.

“I think they also change their perspective of how they used to think (about) how this celebration was celebrated in Mexico.”

Oaxaca has so much to offer, Reyes emphasizes, adding it is one of the best places in Mexico to explore its food and try all of the cuisine they have to offer.

“I highly recommend you in your visit to try the moles, tlayudas, memelas and, if you want to go a little bit deeper, try to go to the markets and you will find many types of cheeses, bread and also insects,” he said.

For anyone on the edge of booking a trip to Mexico for Day of the Dead or adding Oaxaca as a stop on their journey, Reyes promises it’s a perfect fit no matter what kind of traveller you are.

“Everyone who wants to visit Mexico, see the real traditions, experience the food, listen to our music,” he said.

“I cannot describe how great this trip can be for anyone who would like to visit Mexico.”

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