Important Last Minute Information for Day of the Dead 2025 in Oaxaca: What’s New and Not to Miss
What’s new and why this matters
As Oaxaca prepares for Day of the Dead at the end of October, the city and nearby valley towns are buzzing with final details. While many beloved traditions such as monumental sand tapestries, comparsas and community altars will return, 2025 brings some fresh events and last minute announcements. This guide summarizes official updates and highlights to help travelers plan their visits.
The official program is still being finalized
Oaxaca’s Secretariat of Tourism is still assembling the 2025 official program. On October 1st the government issued a call for municipalities, cultural groups and private organizations to register their Day of the Dead activities. Applicants had until October 3rd to submit each event’s name, date, time, location, contact details and promotional poster, and they were encouraged to propose monumental sand tapestries, comparsas, concerts and community altars. The final program will compile events across the state so visitors can share with their loved ones in an atmosphere of joy and respect. Since the program is not yet publicly released, travelers should check official channels like the tourism website or social media for final dates and times closer to their travel dates.
New highlights around the valley
Campo Iluminado de Cempasúchil in San Antonino Castillo Velasco
Dates: October 25th to 29th, 2025 Location: Paraje El Arroyo, San Antonino Castillo Velasco, about one hour south of Oaxaca City via Federal 175 Admission: 35 pesos, free for children under five
This illuminated marigold field is returning for its second edition and is one of the year’s most anticipated photo opportunities. Visitors can wander through rows of marigold flowers, purchase plants, enjoy local food and drinks such as tlayudas, tamales and mezcal, and watch film projections and bonfires. The lighting ceremony will take place on October 25th at 18:30 after an opening concert by the Banda Filarmónica de San Antonino at 17:00. Additional performances include the rock duo Dupla de Cuatro at 17:30 on October 26th and Los Hijos del Maguey at 20:00 on October 26th. The event is easy to reach by bus or taxi and crowds peak at dusk.
Festival Tierra de los Muertos in Mitla
Dates: October 24th to 26th, 2025 Location: Fortress of Mitla and venues in Oaxaca City Tickets: from 660 pesos, VIP packages up to about 19,000 pesos
This fifth edition festival blends electronic music and ancestral rituals. The lineup features international DJs such as AERA, Ali Farahani with Shan Nash, André VII and others, alongside local collectives. Beyond dancing, visitors can experience gastronomic showcases, Day of the Dead altars, visual art installations, wellness ceremonies and a Catrina parade. Tickets are limited and some packages include transportation, exclusive dinners and wellness experiences.
Salvadores Mezcal Celebration in Tlacolula
Date: October 18th, 2025 Location: Salvadores Distillery, Tlacolula Cost: around 3,500 pesos including activities and transportation from Oaxaca City
Mexico News Daily reports that the Salvadores Distillery will host an intimate celebration featuring a mural unveiling, mezcal tastings, a three course dinner, catrina face painting and an altar building session. The evening ends with a calenda street parade accompanied by DJ Blacktape. Reservations are required.
Set Underground’s Tierra de los Muertos Festival near Mitla
Dates: October 24th to 26th, 2025 Location: A natural setting near Mitla, exact site disclosed to ticket holders
The festival returns with electronic music, dance and art. Early bird tickets are limited. Expect a market, local food, wellness experiences such as sound baths and cacao ceremonies, and live art installations. This is a rustic multi day experience, so bring warm clothing and plan transportation in advance.
Marigold field tours and cultural experiences
Several tour companies are offering last minute spots for Day of the Dead experiences. Where Sidewalks End lists guided visits to marigold fields, mask making workshops, cooking classes and tours of Mitla and Pan de Muerto production with prices ranging from 135 to 150 US dollars per person. Coyote Adventures offers tours to Teotitlán del Valle and San Gabriel Etla where visitors help gather marigolds and join local families in altar preparations. These tours fill quickly, so book directly with providers and verify dates since some experiences only run in the week before November 2nd.
El Convite de los Muertos at the Oaxaca State Archives
The State Archives invites families to El Convite de los Muertos, a series of cultural activities. On October 24 there is an Entierritos workshop at 16:00 where children learn to make traditional cemetery decorations. On October 28 the installation Bienvenidos los difuntos opens at 9:00 followed by a performance of La Catrina anda de Fiesta at 17:00. On October 29 the classic Don Juan Tenorio is staged at the main auditorium. These activities are free and designed for families. The archive is located in Pueblo Nuevo northwest of the city center, so check parking and public transport options.
Recorrido al Mictlán six and a half kilometer race
Runners can get an early start at the Recorrido al Mictlán athletic race on November 2nd, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. The start and finish are at the Alameda de León. Registration is free through the Institute of Sport social networks until October 31st with race numbers distributed from 6:00 to 6:50 a.m. Men’s and women’s categories are offered, with awards of 1,500 pesos for first place, 1,000 for second and 500 for third. Hydration stations, first aid and commemorative medals are planned for the first 500 male and female finishers. The time limit is one hour and thirty minutes. Registration is filling quickly, so arrive before 6:50 a.m. since access to the start line closes ten minutes before the race begins.
What continues from past years
Although the final schedule has not been released, several traditional events are expected to return. Look for a monumental sand tapestry and giant catrina sculptures in the city center. In recent editions the sand tapestry was installed on the Andador Macedonio Alcalá and a giant Catrina stood outside the Government Palace as part of the Sendero al Mictlán exhibition. The main convite or grand parade on November 1 has historically started from Fuente de las Ocho Regiones and proceeded to the Alameda or Zócalo with bands, mojigangas and comparsa dancers. Verbena Xandú around October 30th brings food stalls, mariachis and calendas. Expect a pre Hispanic altar exhibit at the Museo Rufino Tamayo and community altars representing the state’s sixteen indigenous cultures and the Afro Mexican community. Light and sound projections usually illuminate the Cathedral and Santo Domingo and closing concerts are announced in the final program.
Practical advice for travelers
Check official announcements because the full program is still being finalized. Rely on the state tourism website or reputable news outlets for dates and locations. Book tours and accommodations early since events like the marigold field and electronic festivals sell out quickly. Reserve hotels and restaurants in advance, especially around October 31st to November 2nd. Bring cash and small bills because many markets, food stalls and rural towns do not accept cards and ATMs can run out of cash during peak days. Respect local customs. Day of the Dead is a sacred time. Always ask permission before photographing altars or ceremonies, avoid touching offerings and be mindful when entering cemeteries or private homes. Streets become crowded, so secure valuables and watch your step on cobblestones. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen during daytime tours. If attending bonfires or altars with candles, keep decorations away from open flames and extinguish candles before leaving as a basic safety practice encouraged by local civil protection.
