Halloween in Mexico is not just about costumes and candy. Here, the celebration blends seamlessly with Día de Muertos traditions, creating one of the most colorful and culturally rich experiences in the world.
In 2025, the streets of major cities will once again come alive with parades, music, and traditional altars, offering a mix of modern Halloween fun and centuries-old rituals.The celebrations happen from late October through early November.
Visitors and locals can enjoy spooky costumes, catrina parades, cemetery vigils, and cultural festivals that stretch over several days.
If you plan to join, knowing the exact parade dates, times, and routes for each city is key to making the most of your trip.
Halloween in Mexico 2025
| City | Event Name | Date & Time | Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Main Attractions | Expected Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | Mega Procesión de las Catrinas | Oct 26, 2025 – Afternoon | Ángel de la Independencia to Zócalo | 3–4 hrs | Free | Costumes, makeup art, live music | 100,000+ |
| Mexico City | Gran Desfile del Día de Muertos | Nov 2, 2025 – 2:00 PM | Chapultepec to Zócalo | 5 hrs | Free | Floats, dancers, skeleton puppets | 500,000+ |
| Aguascalientes | Festival de las Calaveras Parade | Oct 24 – Nov 2, 2025 | Centro Histórico route TBA | 2 hrs | Free | Cultural performances, altars | 50,000+ |
| Mérida | Paseo de las Ánimas | Oct 31, 2025 – Evening | General Cemetery to San Juan Park | 3 hrs | Free | Mayan traditions, torches, music | 30,000+ |
| Oaxaca City | Comparsas | Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025 | Jalatlaco & Xochimilco neighborhoods | Varies | Free | Street bands, costumes, food stalls | Thousands |
History and Cultural Background
While Halloween is a relatively new import to Mexico, Día de Muertos has been celebrated for hundreds of years. It is rooted in pre-Hispanic traditions where families honor their departed loved ones.
Over time, modern Halloween customs like trick-or-treating and costume parties have been embraced, especially in urban areas.
The parades seen today are a fusion of these two worlds. Mexico City’s massive Day of the Dead parade was inspired partly by the James Bond movie Spectre and has grown into one of the largest cultural events in the country.
Smaller towns maintain a more traditional feel, with candlelit processions to cemeteries and community gatherings that reflect the intimate side of the holiday.
Mexico City | The Heart of Halloween and Día de Muertos Celebrations
Mega Procesión de las Catrinas
This iconic parade celebrates the elegant skeleton figure known as “La Catrina,” a symbol of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. In 2025, it will take place on Sunday, October 26, starting in the afternoon.
Thousands of participants in elaborate makeup and dresses will walk from Ángel de la Independencia along Paseo de la Reforma, passing Avenida Juárez and Eje Central, before reaching the Zócalo.
The route offers multiple good viewing spots, but early arrival is recommended. The best photos are usually captured near the Ángel or Reforma, where the parade begins, as costumes and makeup are still fresh and detailed.
Gran Desfile del Día de Muertos
Scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM, this parade is the largest of its kind in Mexico. Starting at Puerta de los Leones in Bosque de Chapultepec, it moves down Reforma, past Avenida Juárez and 5 de Mayo, ending in the Zócalo.
Expect giant skeleton puppets, themed floats, dancers, and music groups from across the country. The event draws hundreds of thousands, so plan for heavy crowds.
If you want a quieter experience, choose a spot along Reforma rather than at the Zócalo, where the crowd density is at its peak.
Aguascalientes | Festival de las Calaveras Parade
The city of Aguascalientes is famous for its Festival de las Calaveras, a large-scale event dedicated to honoring Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions.
In 2025, the festival will run from October 24 to November 2, with the main parade typically held during the final weekend.
The parade passes through the Centro Histórico, filling the streets with decorated floats, traditional dance groups, and artistic displays.
The exact route is usually announced closer to the date, but past editions have included streets like Avenida Madero and Plaza Patria. Expect a festive atmosphere with live music, food stalls, and artisan markets throughout the festival area.
The best viewing spots are near Plaza Patria, where the floats pause for performances. Arriving an hour early is recommended, as this area fills quickly with both locals and visitors.
Mérida, Yucatán | Paseo de las Ánimas
Mérida’s Paseo de las Ánimas (Procession of the Souls) is one of the most atmospheric events in Mexico. In 2025, it is expected on October 31 in the evening, starting at the General Cemetery and ending at San Juan Park.
Participants wear traditional Mayan-inspired costumes and paint their faces as skulls, carrying torches to light the path. Along the route, you will see altars, dance performances, and stalls offering regional foods like mucbipollo.
If you want great photos, position yourself at the start of the route near the cemetery gates. This is where the procession is most solemn and authentic, with dim lighting and candle-lit altars creating a haunting yet beautiful scene.
Oaxaca City | Comparsas and Street Parades
Oaxaca is home to some of Mexico’s most vibrant comparsas (costume parades). These processions are community-organized and often happen between October 31 and November 2, with neighborhoods like Jalatlaco and Xochimilco being the main hubs.
Each comparsa features brass bands, dancers, oversized puppets, and families dressed in elaborate costumes. Streets are decorated with marigolds and papel picado, and the air is filled with music and laughter.
The routes vary depending on the neighborhood, but the streets around Templo de Jalatlaco and Callejón del Carmen Alto are particularly lively. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the build-up as participants prepare their costumes and makeup.
Puerto Vallarta | Día de Muertos Festival
Puerto Vallarta transforms its waterfront into a giant open-air celebration from November 1 to 2, 2025.
The main parade typically takes place on November 2, starting in the Colonia 5 de Diciembre neighborhood and moving through El Centro before finishing at the Los Arcos del Malecón.
The parade features giant skeleton figures, mariachi bands, and community groups showcasing local traditions. Along the Malecón, visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, altars, and live performances late into the night.
For the best experience, watch from the Malecón arches, where the parade ends and live concerts often take place. It’s also the easiest place to find street food vendors serving tacos, tamales, and pan de muerto.
Pátzcuaro and Janitzio | Noche de Ánimas
The Noche de Ánimas (Night of the Souls) in Pátzcuaro and the nearby island of Janitzio is one of Mexico’s most iconic Day of the Dead celebrations.
In 2025, the main events will take place on November 1, with preparations starting in the afternoon and continuing through the night into November 2.
In Pátzcuaro, families decorate graves with candles, marigolds, and offerings, creating a glowing spectacle in the cemeteries.
The most famous vigil happens on Janitzio Island, where visitors can take boats across Lake Pátzcuaro from the main pier.
If you plan to attend, arrive early at the docks to avoid long lines for the boat ride. On Janitzio, walk up the hill to the cemetery for an unforgettable view of hundreds of candles flickering in the night.
Morelia | Desfile de Catrinas
Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, hosts its own impressive Desfile de Catrinas on November 1 in the evening. The parade winds through the Centro Histórico, starting near the Fuente de las Tarascas and heading toward the Cathedral.
Thousands of participants showcase stunning Catrina costumes, often incorporating regional designs. The colonial streets and pink stone buildings provide a dramatic backdrop for photos.
For the best experience, position yourself near the cathedral, where the parade often ends with a stage show and live music. This spot also gives you a great view of the illuminated historic buildings.
Guadalajara | Calaverandia
In Guadalajara, Calaverandia is a unique Day of the Dead theme park experience that will open from October 22, 2025, for several weeks.
Located in Parque Ávila Camacho, it combines traditional elements with modern attractions, including multimedia shows, interactive installations, and themed food stalls.
While it’s not a traditional parade, the immersive setting offers guests a chance to walk through elaborate sets, interact with performers, and learn about Mexican traditions in a fun way. Tickets are required, and it’s best to book early as popular nights sell out quickly.
Monterrey – Desfile de Calaveras
Monterrey’s Desfile de Calaveras usually takes place in late October or early November. The 2025 date is expected to be announced soon, but the route typically runs through the Macroplaza and surrounding downtown streets.
The parade includes school groups, dance troupes, and local organizations, each adding their own creative twist to traditional Day of the Dead symbols.
If you’re visiting, look for viewing spots along the Macroplaza where the floats and performers pass slowly, giving you a closer look at the details.
Other Notable Halloween and Día de Muertos Events in Mexico
San Miguel de Allende – La Calaca Festival
San Miguel de Allende hosts La Calaca Festival, a citywide celebration that blends art, music, and Day of the Dead traditions.
In 2025, events will take place from October 30 to November 2, including parades through the historic center, art exhibitions, and live performances in public squares.
The main procession features elaborate costumes and floats, starting at Parque Juárez and winding through cobblestone streets toward the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.
Mazatlán | Día de Muertos Parade
Mazatlán’s coastal parade is scheduled for November 2, 2025, along the Malecón. The event features music, fireworks, and a carnival-like atmosphere. It’s one of the most energetic celebrations, with bandas playing until late at night.
For the best experience, stand along the Malecón’s central section, where the floats slow down for performances.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
- Book Early: Hotels in cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Pátzcuaro fill up weeks in advance.
- Stay Close to the Route: Choosing accommodation within walking distance of the parade route saves time and avoids traffic delays.
- Use Public Transport: Metro systems in cities like Mexico City are efficient and help you avoid parking hassles.
- Allow Extra Time: Streets close hours before parades start, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Food and Local Experiences
Attending these celebrations isn’t just about the parades it’s also a chance to enjoy traditional Mexican food. In each city, you’ll find specialties tied to the season:
- Pan de Muerto: Sweet bread topped with sugar, often flavored with orange blossom.
- Atole and Champurrado: Warm drinks perfect for cool October nights.
- Tamales and Pozole: Savory staples found at street stalls during festival nights.
In Oaxaca, try mole negro during the festivities, while in Yucatán, don’t miss mucbipollo, a large tamale traditionally cooked underground.
Safety and Viewing Tips
- Keep Valuables Secure: Large crowds are prime spots for pickpockets.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You may stand for hours, so comfort matters.
- Dress for the Weather: Evenings can get cool, especially in highland cities.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Some parades have bag checks or restrictions on large props.
Conclusion
Halloween in Mexico 2025 promises a rich mix of spooky fun and heartfelt tradition. From Mexico City’s massive Catrina processions to the intimate candlelit vigils of Janitzio, every city offers something unique.
The combination of costumes, music, food, and deep cultural meaning makes it an unforgettable experience for both locals and travelers.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a celebration that’s both festive and reflective, this is the year to do it. Plan early, choose your cities, and immerse yourself in one of the most colorful holiday seasons on the planet.
And if you’ve been before, share your tips or photos in the comments I’d love to hear your experiences.
FAQs
Yes, especially in cities. However, it’s often combined with Día de Muertos traditions.
Yes, most are free and open to the public. Some ticketed shows, like Calaverandia, require payment.
In some cases, yes but many require advance registration.
Yes, in most tourist-friendly areas. Stick to well-lit and crowded spots.
Mexico City offers the largest events, but Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro offer a more traditional experience.