Oaxaca: Day of the Dead

Bienvenidos! Arrive at Oaxaca’s Xoxocotlán Airport (OAX) at any time. Upon arrival, there will be a driver waiting to take you to your hotel. Take the afternoon to relax and acclimate to your surroundings. Meet your fellow travelers at a warm and inviting welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a selection of traditional Oaxacan dishes to start your journey on a delicious note. 

Following dinner, we’ll have a short walk around town, seeing some historic areas in Oaxaca, while learning about some of the ghost stories from around Mexico. 

The adventure begins with a visit to the captivating Mitla Archaeological Site, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and mysterious allure. Located just 40 kilometers from Oaxaca City, Mitla is renowned for its intricate geometric stone mosaics, which are unlike anything found in other Mesoamerican ruins. As you enter the site, you’ll be struck by the precision and detail of the stonework that decorates the walls of the palaces and temples, each piece carefully carved and fitted together without the use of mortar. Mitla was believed to be a gateway to the underworld, and walking through its sacred courtyards and corridors gives you a sense of the spiritual significance it held for the Zapotec people. With its stunning architecture and rich history, a visit to Mitla offers a captivating glimpse into one of Mexico’s most fascinating ancient cultures.

Then, participate in an exclusive bakery workshop where you’ll engage in the art of decorating Pan de Muertos, a traditional bread. This interactive experience offers an authentic glimpse into the culinary customs that honor the departed.

Dive into the world of Oaxacan artisans and their renowned marionette statues. Engage in a workshop dedicated to painting Day of the Dead paper mâché masks, where local artists will guide you through the painting process, sharing stories of their craft. Explore the themes of mythology and cultural symbolism as you paint your own mask, gaining insight into its role in local celebrations. This personalized creation will be a unique souvenir and a gateway to local parades.

By participating, you engage in a meaningful practice that honors the creativity and spirituality deeply embedded in Oaxaca’s heritage. You’ll collaborate with local artisans who are custodians of their craft. These artists don’t just share their skills; they open a window to their world, ensuring you experience a genuine slice of Oaxacan life and allowing for a respectful and authentic engagement with the traditions and stories that shape these unique cultural expressions. 

Today, we will go deeper into the soul of Oaxaca by connecting with its ancestral foods that have shaped its culture for centuries. Starting in the local markets, we’ll explore ingredients like maize and cacao, tasting dishes rooted in tradition and crafted from multi-generational recipes. Along the way, meet the vendors and cooks who share their stories and techniques, offering insights into the region’s culinary practices. The day concludes at an organic market, where we’ll sample more flavors and see how Oaxaca’s food traditions continue to thrive, perfectly complementing the spirit of the Day of the Dead.

Today starts the celebration of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Although it’s a countrywide celebration, Oaxaca is the epicenter of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos festivities. The core of the festivities usually takes place from midnight on October 31 when the gates of heaven are said to open at 3pm on November 2 when they close once again.

This morning, a professional local makeup artist will come to prepare us for the big event. These experts bring not only their artistic skills but also a profound understanding of the cultural significance of the Day of the Dead.  This experience will give you an insider’s view into their culture, presented in a way that’s authentic to them. Select a design and let professional artists transform you, integrating you into the local culture.

Following the make-up application, you’ll have a professional photo session in the picturesque Jalatlaco, adorned with murals and cobblestone streets.  Capture your transformed look in a setting that breathes history and art. Receive beautifully edited photos as a lasting keepsake within 3-4 weeks. 

This morning, enjoy some free time exploring the city’s rich traditions. Wander through the colorful altars and marigold-filled streets, visit bustling markets like Mercado 20 de Noviembre to sample local treats, or sip a cup of hot chocolate while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

This afternoon, partake in a poignant visit to the Pantheon San Felipe del Agua. Your experience begins with a profound history talk, delving into the traditions and stories behind the Day of the Dead. Engage in an authentic local food tasting, and participate in an intimate altar-building session, a practice of remembrance and respect. Witness the transformation of the cemetery at dusk, a time for reflection, connection, and honoring those who have passed.  

To end our evening, we will join the exuberant Day of the Dead parade that takes place in San Agustin Etla. Local orchestral bands travel from far and wide for the chance to participate in this multitudinous death parade! Exquisite food stalls, elaborate costumes, dancing, and much more await you as we honor the spirits among us until dawn!

Participate in a centuries-old cleansing ritual with multigenerational temazcal shamans in a tranquil village just outside Oaxaca City. This special Day of the Dead-themed ceremony is a chance to release negative energy, reconnect with your own spirit, and honor the traditions of those who came before us. Ideal before or after visiting Oaxaca’s cemeteries during the festivities, the temazcal offers a sacred space to reflect, heal, and celebrate life. 

In this group ceremony, you’ll enter a traditional Mexican sweat lodge guided by experienced shamans who carry the knowledge of countless generations. Through a combination of heat, herbal steam, chants, and rituals, the temazcal is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. Tapping into practices rooted in ancestral wisdom, this experience becomes a profound way to connect with the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Day of the Dead.

Today is departure day and there are no scheduled activities. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.