AVAILABLE ON NOVEMBER 1ST AND 2ND
The Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico is one of the country’s most meaningful cultural expressions. Declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008, this festivity blends pre-Hispanic beliefs with elements of Christianity. One of the most moving representations of this tradition takes place in San Andrés Mixquic, at 2 hours from the Mexico city downtown where the Day of the Dead is understood as a true bridge between the world of the living and the underworld.
Mixquic was originally a Nahua town that formed part of the Chalco region, under Mexica dominion around the 15th century. It was an important agricultural center, making use of chinampas (artificial islands).
The name Mixquic comes from the Nahuatl word mizquic, which some interpret as “place of mesquites,” though it is also associated with mizquitl, a root linked to death. This connection reinforces the town’s role as a sacred space during this time of year. Every November 1st and 2nd, Mixquic transforms into a living altar where the memory of the deceased is honored through offerings, altars, traditional foods, processions, and candles that light up the local cemetery in an event known as La Alumbrada.
According to ancestral beliefs, the dead return from Mictlán, the Aztec underworld, guided by the scent of marigolds, the light of candles, and the altars prepared by their loved ones. The cemetery becomes the main stage for this reunion, filled with flowers, incense, and quiet prayers. Families sit beside the decorated graves of their ancestors, often throughout the night, creating a spiritual atmosphere of love and celebration.
Other unique traditions in Mixquic include the ringing of the campanita de ánimas (a small bell announcing the arrival of souls), theatrical reenactments of the return of the dead from the underworld, and symbolic processions featuring skulls and skeletons.
The Day of the Dead in Mixquic is more than a cultural event; it is a traditional ritual where two dimensions “life and death” momentarily meet. In welcoming their dead, the people of Mixquic reaffirm the Mexican perspective on mortality: not as a final departure, but as a visit from the underworld, filled with memory, light, and love.
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Car or Van after 4 people
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Pick Up and Drop off
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PayPal or Bank Transfer
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Bilingual Local Guides
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SPANISH AND ENGLISH
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AVAILABLE ON NOVEMBER 1ST AND 2ND
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24 hours before the pick up time
Overview
This is a private and personalized tour only for you and your love ones. The total duration is 8 hours and taking the transfers time. This tour includes private transportation, pick up and drop off at your address in Mexico city, your tourist guide/driver, Tickets to the Pantheon of San Andrés Mixquic, tasting of the traditional bread of the Dead, 1 bottle of water and 1little bag of snacks per person. After 4 people the vehicle is a new van with air conditioner.
You can personalize this tour.
Highlights
- This tour takes place in the popular town Mixquic at 1 hour from Mexico city
- All the town is decorated with orange flowers cempasuchil, candles, altars, music, photo of family passed away, candles and traditional bread.
- La Alumbrada: On November 2nd, the cemetery is magical lit with candles due to families keep vigil beside decorated graves with flowers and offerings.
- Cultural Syncretism: Pre-Hispanic beliefs blend with Christian traditions, reflecting a unique view of death as part of a cycle.
- Unique Traditions: These include the ringing of the campanita de ánimas, skull processions, and reenactments of the dead returning from the underworld.
