Oaxaca Nights & Days (Día de los Muertos)

The days leading up to the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico, are filled with heartfelt preparation as families come together to honor and remember their ancestors. The celebration, observed on November 1-2, blends cultural traditions, vibrant colors, and a sense of communal connection.

Around the graves, ofrenda or offerings are often found, including food, drinks, flowers, and personal items of relatives. These ofrendas serve as a tangible expression of love and remembrance. The bright yellow and orange marigolds, also known as the flor de cempasúchil, are a popular flower associated with the tradition, and their fragrance helps to attract souls to altars and cemeteries.

During Día de los Muertos, families gather in the cemetery to light candles and welcome their loved ones to visit. Many cemeteries have distinct traditions. For instance, one focuses solely on adorning graves with flower petals, forgoing any candlelight. Regardless of the specific practices, the essence remains the same — celebrating life, remembrance, and connection across generations.

In and around the streets of Oaxaca, different villages revel the nights away with comparsas. These parades symbolize the return of the dead.