Day of the Dead Across Different States of Mexico 

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a vibrant Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. While the holiday honors the memory of deceased loved ones throughout the country, each state offers unique customs that reflect local culture, history, and beliefs. 

Michoacán

In Michoacán, the Day of the Dead is famously celebrated on the island of Janitzio in Lake Pátzcuaro.

Families create intricate altars (ofrendas) with marigold flowers, candles, and food offerings, gathering in cemeteries to spend the night singing and praying for their loved ones.

 The event is characterized by its spiritual ambiance, illuminated by candlelight and accompanied by the music of local bands. 

Oaxaca

In Oaxaca, the celebrations take on an artistic touch, with large sand tapestries (tapetes de arena) and colorful parades known as comparsas.

 Altars in Oaxaca often include elaborate decorations and local foods like mole negro and pan de muerto.

 The city also hosts a variety of cultural events, such as performances and exhibitions, showcasing the fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences. 

Mexico City

In Mexico City, the Day of the Dead is marked by grand parades, like the iconic procession along Paseo de la Reforma.

The city’s festivities have evolved into a blend of tradition and modern spectacle, with face painting, floats, and artistic displays honoring both public figures and ordinary people.

The offering at the Zócalo is another highlight, attracting thousands of visitors. 

Yucatán

In Yucatán, the celebration is known as Hanal Pixán, meaning “food for the souls” in Mayan.

Families create altars with traditional dishes like mucbipollo, a type of tamal, and light candles to guide the spirits of ancestors back to the world of the living. 

The holiday reflects the strong indigenous influence and the importance of food in honoring the dead. 

Hidalgo

Hidalgo celebrates Day of the Dead with distinctive traditions, especially influenced by indigenous roots. A prominent celebration in the state is Xantolo, a festive ritual observed mainly in the Huasteca region, which also extends to parts of San Luis Potosí and Veracruz. This celebration is more than a commemoration; it’s a lively fusion of ritual, dance, and music, symbolizing the connection between life and death.

In Hidalgo's Xantolo celebrations, people participate in processions, wearing masks and traditional costumes, and perform dances known as comparsas. The dances are meant to welcome the souls of the deceased and celebrate their brief return. Families create altars with food, incense, candles, and marigold flowers to guide the spirits back home.

 After these offerings are shared with the community, the celebrations continue with gatherings and storytelling.

Beyond the Huasteca region, smaller towns in Hidalgo also maintain the tradition of setting up elaborate ofrendas and visiting cemeteries to honor loved ones, blending Catholic customs with native beliefs.

 Hidalgo’s celebration reflects the depth of cultural heritage, focusing not only on mourning but also on joy and reunion with ancestors.

Click on the link below to watch a great video about Hidalgo´s Xantolo Celebrations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UX8spxXgDc