Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
The main nights run 31 October to 2 November 2026, with comparsas and cemetery visits across the whole week from 27 October. We are a few blocks from the Zócalo and Santo Domingo, so you can walk back from the comparsas instead of paying for a taxi. Checked early October: 30 October to 2 November is nearly full, and 27-29 October and 3-5 November are the easier nights to get.
Book direct and save 10% — use code DIRECT10
Why Oaxaca for Day of the Dead?
Oaxaca is the #1 destination in Mexico to celebrate Día de los Muertos — and Maka Hostel is your home base
Traditional Comparsas
Join the vibrant street parades with costumes, music, and dancing through Oaxaca’s historic center.
Cemetery Visits
Experience the beautiful tradition of decorated graves at Panteón General and San Miguel Cemetery.
Live Music & Festivals
Enjoy traditional Oaxacan bands, DJs, and cultural performances throughout the festival.
Face Painting & Costumes
Get your calavera face paint done and join the celebrations in full Day of the Dead style.
Hostel Events
Special Maka events: themed dinners, mezcal tastings, rooftop parties, and group outings.
Altar Building
Help build traditional ofrendas and learn the beautiful meaning behind each element.
Festival Schedule
What to expect during the Day of the Dead celebrations
Pre-Festival Week
Markets fill with cempasúchil flowers, chocolate skulls, and pan de muerto. Perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace.
Comparsas Begin
Neighborhood parades (comparsas) start — massive street parties with costumes, bands, and dancing.
Day of the Angelitos
Families honor children who have passed. Altars and offerings appear across the city.
Halloween & Comparsa Finale
The biggest comparsas of the season. Thousands take to the streets in elaborate costumes.
Día de los Inocentes
Honoring deceased children. Families visit cemeteries with flowers, candles, and food.
Día de los Muertos
The main event. Cemetery vigils, candlelit processions, and the most beautiful night in Oaxaca.
Final Celebrations
Wrap-up festivities, last comparsas, and reflection on this incredible cultural experience.
Why Stay at Maka?
The best hostel in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
Rooftop Pool
Social Atmosphere
Daily Activities
Central Location
Book Your Day of the Dead Stay
Beds fill up fast — Oaxaca’s biggest festival sells out months in advance
Use code DIRECT10 at checkout for 10% off accommodation and activities.
Book Now — Save 10%Questions? or email Makahostel@gmail.com
Day of the Dead Oaxaca 2025 — Everything You Need to Know
The Day of the Dead in Oaxaca (Día de los Muertos) is the most vibrant and authentic celebration in all of Mexico. Every year from late October through early November, the city transforms into a festival of color, music, and tradition honoring loved ones who have passed.
Unlike Halloween, Día de los Muertos Oaxaca is a joyful celebration of life and memory. Families build elaborate altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigold flowers (cempasúchil), candles, photos, and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased.
The famous Oaxaca comparsas — massive street parades with bands, dancers, and elaborate costumes — are a highlight. The cemetery vigils on November 1st and 2nd in Xoxocotlán and the Panteón General are deeply moving experiences you’ll never forget.
Maka Hostel Oaxaca is the perfect base for experiencing Day of the Dead. Located in the heart of the city, our social hostel offers daily activities, themed events, group outings to comparsas, and a rooftop pool to recover after late festival nights. Whether you’re a solo traveler, backpacker, or group of friends — Maka is where the best Day of the Dead memories are made.
Book early — Oaxaca Day of the Dead accommodation sells out months in advance. Use code DIRECT10 to save 10% when you book direct with Maka Hostel.
Don’t miss the experience of a lifetime
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca only happens once a year. Make it unforgettable at Maka Hostel.
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We’re just a few blocks from Mercado 20 de Noviembre — right in the heart of Oaxaca
Maka Hostel — Centro, Oaxaca
A few blocks from Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Zócalo & Santo Domingo