Quick Details
OVERVIEW
The “Noche de Muertos” is the nightly tribute to the departed with food, music and candles, usually held only once per year, either November 1st or 2nd, represents a profound celebration of life and ancestry, transcending boundaries of time and mortality.
Through the creation of altars, families embrace the memories of their departed loved ones, fostering an eternal connection. Cemetery visits serve as a tender reminder of the enduring bond between the living and the deceased, while the lively “Comparsas” infuse the streets with an exuberant celebration of existence.
The “Noche de Muertos” in Oaxaca stands as a testament to the beauty of embracing death as an integral part of life and honoring the legacy of those who came before us. Check out our itinerary!
This is be an intense experience. If you are looking to make the most of this celebration, this is definitely the option for you.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
We will meet at Oaxaca International Airport. Afterwards, you will go to the hotel where you will stay and have the rest of the day free to rest or visit places of personal interest.
We will have breakfast at the hotel and then head to the Historic center of Oaxaca where we will have a guided tour, we will also visit the Cerro del Fortín, the tourist corridor, the House of Cortés, the Cathedral and the Benito Juárez Market among other things.
In the Afternoon, we will go to see the Comparsas, one of the most captivating aspects of the Noche de Muertos in Oaxaca, that take to the streets. Participants don vibrant traditional clothing and transform themselves into captivating skeletal figures known as Catrinas. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of musicians playing traditional music, the comparsas weave their way through the illuminated streets, dancing, singing, and celebrating life amidst the presence of death. The lively comparsas encapsulate the essence of the Day of the Dead, reminding us that death is not a cause for sorrow but an opportunity for a joyous commemoration of existence ** Day may vary depending on government approval **
We will have breakfast at the hotel and then we will go to the archeological zone of “Monte Alban”, then we will go to an Albrijes workshop. (Yes, the colorful animals you saw in COCO). In the evening (9:00 pm), we will start our tour visiting the Xoxocotlán pantheon, place that served as inspiration for the movie “COCO”, here we will see the indigenous celebration of the “Day of the Dead” first hand. .
We will have breakfast at the hotel, then we will go to the famous “Tule tree”, make a short tour through the route of handicrafts and Mezcal, to learn about the process of this famous drink of Oaxaca. We will visit the archaeological site of Mitla and we will go to the center of Oaxaca to spend the “Night of the Dead” there, from that moment you will have the night free to stay as long as you like.
This is the last day of our experience. Breakfast is included at the hotel. If you would like to reserve extra days please check availability. Hope to see you again!
Pay from your USA bank account without fees
Frequently asked questions and answers:
The “Noche de Muertos” is a vibrant celebration in Oaxaca that honors the Day of the Dead. It is a night filled with colorful altars, cemetery visits, lively parades, and cultural festivities.
During the “Noche de Muertos,” you can expect to see elaborately decorated altars in homes and cemeteries, illuminated graveyards filled with candles and marigolds, lively parades known as comparsas, traditional music, and performances that celebrate the cycle of life and death.
As part of the tour, you will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences. You can create your own altar, participate in workshops to learn traditional crafts like sugar skull decoration or paper marigold making, and even join the comparsas in traditional attire.
Yes, the tour includes visits to cemeteries where you can witness the heartfelt remembrance and celebration of the departed. You will have the chance to see families gathered around elaborately adorned graves, sharing stories, lighting candles, and leaving offerings for their loved ones.
Altars, or ofrendas, play a vital role in the “Noche de Muertos” celebration. They are created to welcome and honor the spirits of the departed. Altars are adorned with photographs, candles, flowers, favorite foods, and personal mementos, symbolizing the connection between the living and the deceased.
Absolutely! The tour provides opportunities to engage with local communities and artisans who are actively involved in the “Noche de Muertos” festivities. You can learn from them, participate in workshops, and gain insights into their cultural traditions and practices.
Yes, you will have the chance to savor traditional Day of the Dead dishes such as tamales, mole, and pan de muerto (sweet bread). Local markets and restaurants offer a variety of culinary delights associated with the celebration.
While the focus of the tour is on the “Noche de Muertos” celebrations, there may be opportunities to explore other attractions in Oaxaca during free time, such as visiting museums, markets, or taking day trips to nearby natural wonders like Hierve el Agua.
It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, and a camera to capture the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, wearing respectful attire is advised, as you will be visiting cemeteries and participating in cultural activities.
