This blog post was updated on October 26, 2023.

Throughout history, many cultures from across the globe have had various philosophies regarding life and death. Hispanic cultures. of course, are no exception to this. And, of the many festivities that they observe, there’s arguably no event more spiritually and socially significant than the Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

While there are similar celebrations to honor the lives of the dead in various Latin American countries, the Day of the Dead originated in Mexico, where the largest celebrations tend to take place. An interesting mix of Mexico’s ancient Aztec rituals and Roman Catholicism brought over by the Spanish, Día de los Muertos is not be confused with Halloween. You see, the main emphasis here is remembering the things that brought joy to the deceased and getting together with your family and the community to celebrate their lives.

In recent years in the United States — especially in cities with large Mexican communities — Day of the Dead observances have become increasingly popular, emerging as meaningful and authentic celebrations of culture. So, if you’re looking to experience this annual event yourself, be sure to check out this list of the best places Day of the Dead in the U.S.!

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson’s All Souls Procession has been around since 1990, and distinguishes itself as one of America’s biggest Day of the Dead celebrations. Much more than a parade, this procession is a means for people to express their grief and remember those who have passed away. Participants often wear costumes, create art, and perform in various ways to honor the deceased.

The All Souls Procession also acts as an artistic platform in which art, music, and dance are fused together to celebrate the lives of loved ones from various religious and cultural backgrounds. The traditional procession is a two-mile trek to a giant urn,  in which the letters, wishes, and offerings of the over 150,000 marchers are burned in ceremonial fashion.

San Diego, California

The two-day Día de los Muertos celebration in San Diego is about as authentic as the festivities in Mexico itself. The city’s Old Town marketplace comes alive every November for the Old Town Festival, of which the Day of the Dead celebrations is just a part. The entire space is dedicated to activities that include face painting, public memorials, giant skeleton puppets, Aztec and folclórico dancing, and live music. And, of course, some delectable food options too! The highlight of the proceedings is the free-to-attend candlelight procession, which is usually held on November 2.

Los Angeles, California

There’s no lack of Hispanic heritage in the historic Olvera Street neighborhood of Los Angeles, and it all just gets turned up a notch for the annual Day of the Dead festivities. The annual Olvera Street Día de los Muertos celebration lasts an epic nine days, and each night is inspired by traditional pre-Columbian roots and rituals on honoring the dead. Processions start with a traditional Mayan blessing and include Aztec dancers.

You can also enjoy the free sweet bread and champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate made with corn flour) that are handed out to marchers. It’s the perfect place to admire community altars, or ofrendas, on display, decorative skull-painting stalls, and traditional musical performances.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale offers its own spin to the festivities at the city’s Florida Day of the Dead Celebration — one of the grandest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the country. The free event hosts many live performances throughout the city, which all lead up to the main procession on November 2. This special day begins with a Mesoamerican indigenous welcome that brings visitors to various stages that present traditional dance, music, and handicrafts. There are also numerous stalls selling skeleton costumes and mask vendors for those taking part in the procession. You can also enjoy plenty of beautiful giant skeleton puppets, known as “calacas” or “mojigangas,” and vibrant folkloric musical performances.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s Mission District plays host to the annual Festival of Altars, which takes place on November 2 in Potrero Del Sol Park and the adjacent La Raza Park. Participants are encouraged to have a respectful attitude while enjoying the many community altars on display and are encouraged to bring flowers, candles, and mementos of loved ones to contribute to these altars. Right after the Festival of Altars, there’s a Día de los Muertos procession in which attendees can dress up in their Day of the Dead outfits and pay respects to their loved ones at a variety of different altars.

San Antonio, Texas

It’s no surprise that San Antonio has a great Day of the Dead celebration. The city’s population is 64% Hispanic or Latino, so you know you’ll be in the midst of celebrations with some deep roots. Some of the major highlights of celebrations in the city include the processions in the downtown La Villita Historic Arts Village, as well as the massive Dia de Los Muertos festival (aka “Muertosfest”) that’s held at the end of October.

Muertosfest is a very music-focused event and has a lively lineup of Latin artists who play everything from traditional to alternative and experimental music. The schedule also includes an altar exhibition and contest, food and art vendors, puppet parades, live poetry performances, and more. What more do you need to head to Texas for an All Saints week getaway?

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico is an ideal city to spend Día de los Muertos. Old Town Albuquerque is the heart of the action, making it easy to catch a number of events in a short amount of time. The celebrations encompass a variety of offerings, ranging from traditional dance performancse to colorful marigold parades. A highlight of the event is the array of altars that feature distinct themes and decorations. The large community ofrenda in the center of the Old Town gazebo serves as a community catering space. The various decorations lining the streets of Old Town also provide lovely backdrops for all of your pictures. Be sure to leave plenty of time to nosh on the traditional food and check out the art exhibits that honor this culture.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art is the place to be to take in the Día de los Muertos celebration in Chicago. Located in the city’s Pilsen neighborhood, this museum offers a stunning art exhibition dedicated to this cultural event. In addition to the ongoing display at the museum, you’ll find plenty of additional events and parades to enjoy throughout the Windy City to commemorate the holiday. Examples include a Day of the Dead 5K run/walk, a community ofrenda, pumpkin decorating for the kids, and various celebrations that honor the native food and drink of Mexico.

Austin, Texas

Kick off your Austin Day of the Dead celebrations with the Viva La Vida Festival and Parade, taking place at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue. In addition to the festive parade, the event also features food booths, artist demos, and live musical and dance performance. The festivities continue through the week with an event at Moody Theater offering visitors the chance to honor family and friends that have departed with the community ofrenda. Nearby Round Rock also offers its own parade and festival dedicated to this celebration. For a more somber way to honor the dead, head to the special altar located at Oakwood Cemetery — distinguished as the city’s oldest cemetery — as part of your vacation activities.

You May Also Like: Embracing Mexico’s Day of the Dead Traditions

El Paso, Texas

El Paso has a strong connection to the Day of the Dead as the result of its proximity to the border of Mexico. Immerse yourself into the fun by visiting the Downtown Arts district for the annual parade. The city’s museum network is the cultural hub of the festivities. For example, the El Paso Museum of History features a number of exhibits, food and alcohol tastings, and more. Meanwhile, the El Paso Museum of Archaeology gives visitors the chance to create their own artwork while at the El Paso Museum of Art you and your family can try your hand at making your own piñatas.

FAQs:

Q: Are these celebrations suitable for all age groups?

A: Yes, the Day of the Dead celebrations are family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with activities ranging from art displays to musical performances.

Q: Do I need to purchase tickets for any of the listed events?

A: While many events are free, some may require tickets or have fees. It’s recommended to check individual event websites for specific details.

Q: Can attendees participate in the parades or processions?

A: Yes, in many cities attendees can participate in parades, though some might require prior registration or have specific guidelines.

Q: Are there any dress codes or traditional outfits recommended for attendees?

A: While there’s no strict dress code, many attendees wear traditional Day of the Dead costumes or face paint. It enhances the festive atmosphere. However, it’s crucial to approach this with respect and sensitivity, ensuring that one is not engaging in cultural appropriation. Always remember to honor and appreciate the culture without trivializing its significance.

Q: Can attendees create their own altars or ofrendas at these events?

A: Yes, several locations encourage attendees to contribute to community altars or create their own. It’s always good to check with event organizers for guidelines.

Q: What are some traditional foods associated with Day of the Dead?

A: Traditional foods include sweet bread (pan de muerto), tamales, sugar skulls, and beverages like champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate).

Q: How different is the Day of the Dead celebration in the U.S. compared to Mexico?

A: While U.S. celebrations embrace the essence of the tradition, they might incorporate local culture and practices, making them distinct yet reminiscent of the original Mexican festivities.

Have we missed any other cities with great Día de Los Muertos celebrations? Let us know in our comments section below!