[Day of the Dead in Oaxaca | A vibrant and warm celebration of prayers, celebrating the deceased together]

[Day of the Dead in Oaxaca | A vivid and warm prayer festival where we celebrate the deceased together] — Vivid lanterns, ofrendas, and catrinas... a "night to embrace life" that brings the city together — In Oaxaca, the Day of the Dead celebrations take place from the night of October 31st to November 2nd. In many villages, some traditions begin on October 31st and continue until around November 6th. On the night of October 31st, church bells, flower decorations, and candles are lit as a prayer to welcome the spirits of children (Angelitos). November 1st is Children's Day, and November 2nd is Adults' Day, and prayers for each soul are different. ⸻ 📍 [Major venues and events] • Cathedral Square and Santo Domingo Church Square: Large ofrendas (altars) are set up, and colorful flowers and bone-shaped sand paintings (tapetes) are spread out. •The streets and alleys of Jaratalaco: Comparsas (masquerades) light up the night, and people dressed as Catrinas get excited with music and dance. •In the cemetery, families light candles all night, offer pane de muerto and mezcal, and hold feasts to celebrate life. ⸻ ✨【Charms unique to Oaxaca】 •The handmade sand paintings (tapetes), paper crafts, and traditional craft altar decorations are impressive. •The Catrina costumes + masks and facial paints blend into the city, creating a fantastic atmosphere. •The warm culture of welcoming the dead as "visitors," talking cheerfully, and celebrating both life and death. •In local suburban villages (such as San Agustin Etla), you can enjoy unique rituals, dances, and altar styles in each region. ⸻ 🎒【Travel tips】 •Arrive at the site one week before the event. You can experience the preparations at the market, such as flowers, panels, masks, and sand paintings. •The candlelight vigil at the cemetery is a quiet but warm moment. It's a good idea to bring a light jacket. •Please allow for costumes and photography. Please be considerate, especially in front of the cemetery and family. •We recommend staying in the center (near Zócalo or Jaratalaco). It's easy to get around on foot and it doesn't get crowded. •You can take a tour or go on your own, from relatively quiet spectator-centered festivals to local village festivals. #Mexico #Oaxaca #DayOfTheDead #AbsolutelyFreeTrip