Guanajuato Dia de Muertos: Day of the Dead Festival
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I was thinking… with my favorite holiday and festival in Mexico (Dia de Muertos -Day of the Dead Festival) soon approaching, why not travel to Guanajuato (GTO), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful streets, steep alleyways, and picturesque beauty? A place steeped in history and magical even to people in Mexico. A place that hasn’t quite yet been exposed to us, foreign travels.
Hi, I’m Calvin, a passionate travel blogger who loves exploring Mexico. With the Day of the Dead approaching, this idea magically popped into my head, as do many of my spur-of-the-moment adventures to Mexico. When you think of Dia de Muertos, you may think of Catrina, festival, tradition, culture, traditions, food, music, costumes, skulls, skeletons, dance, flowers, and alters, but there is so much more.
I have often shared in this celebration in other places like Mexico City and Taxco. But something pulled me to experience it in Guanajuato, and this is what happened.
Vamos…
Topics: People Ask
Guanajuato Day of the Dead Experience - Dia de los Muertos Celebration - Day of the Dead Costumes - Guanajuato Nightlife - Guanajuato Travel Tips - How to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Guanajuato, Mexico - Catrina - What is the Day of the Dead Festival About - Top Rated Tours in Guanajuato City - Top Rated Hotels in Guanajuato - Mexican Culture - Mexico Festivals - Things to do and see in Guanajuato - Tips for traveling GTO - When is Dia de Muertos Celebrated
The Magic of Guanajuato
Magical is a word used often when describing Mexico, but the magic of Guanajuato City is different. Nestled deep within the heart of Mexico, its history of the origin of the Spanish Revolution is a cultural hub with numerous theaters, museums, and art galleries. Or is it being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved heritage and historical sites?
Maybe it’s all the brilliant colors, colonial architecture with charming narrow streets, and picturesque alleyways such as the iconic Alley of the Kiss? I know – its the stunning natural landscapes, warm and welcoming locals who embrace their rich cultural heritage. No, it has to be the lively nightlife scene, music and musicians around every corner, delicious street food, beautiful plazas, and restaurants.
Whatever it is, there is no denying the magic of Guanajuato. You can read more about GTO HERE.
The Origins and History of Dia de los Muertos
Often celebrated in conjunction with el Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day), which takes place on November 1st, el Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated on November 2nd. Rather than being a spooky holiday, el Día de Muertos is seen as a time to celebrate family members, friends, and historical figures who have passed away. This pre-Hispanic Aztec, Toltec, and Nahua tradition dates back thousands of years and one that is believed to be a celebration of life for the dead’s return. You can read more about this Mexican holiday tradition here.
The heart of the Day of the Dead lies in its celebration of life amidst the remembrance of departed loved ones. This unique festivity combines indigenous Aztec customs with Catholicism, creating a fascinating blend of traditions.
One of the ways the dead are celebrated is via a traditional altar(altar), which is decorated with papel picado (tissue paper with cut-out shapes), cempasúchil (marigolds), pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread), and a picture or drawing of the deceased, along with the dead person’s favorite things, such as food, drink, or tokens of their hobbies. Parades, tianguis (outdoor markets), candlelight vigils in the panteón (cemetery), Calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), and people dressed up like la Catrina, an elegant skeleton lady are all part of the Dia de Muertos symbolism, traditions, and cultural significance with the connection to the afterlife. Guanajuato has a unique twist on this celebration and in combination with the Cervantino Festival – why would you want to visit any other place?
Celebration of the Day of the Dead in Guanajuato
Guanajuato’s unique connection to Dia de los Muertos, and even though festival dates are 1st and 2nd of November, you can expect to start celebrating a week before and until 5 November. In fact, with the annual world-renowned Festival Cervantino during almost the entire month of October – I’m not sure where one festival ends and the other begins.
Within Guanajuato’s narrow cobblestone streets and historic squares, Dia de Muertos takes on a special charm. Experience and celebrate the Day of the Dead like the locals by attending the Catrina parades (Watch our full parade video), visiting ofrendas and altars, having your face painted by a local artist, visiting the numerous artisans, joining in with the music celebrations, and enjoying the abundance of delicious street food. The one thing I always try to do is be very respectful of my surroundings and appreciate the culture.
By immersing yourself in the activities and celebrations, you will have a greater appreciation for this meaningful tradition, and locals will go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Resources
Google Flights – Trip.com – Travelocity – Hotwire – Trivago – Kiwi – TripAdvisor – Wayaway – Verbo – Cheaptickets – Booking.com – Hostelworld – Skyscanner – Expedia – Babbel –
During Your Travel
Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide – We use to book our tours
Insurance: EKTA and Visitors Coverage – Travel Insurance Abroad
Walmart – Amazon –Best Buy – Canva – Skull Shaver –
Cervantino International Festival in GTO
So, you are going to Guanajuato for Dia de Muertos and have an idea of what to expect – guess what? That’s not all! I have a huge bonus for you. During the same month, you are there for the Day of the Dead, one of the most prominent music festivals takes place, “Festival Internacional Cervantino.”
Cervantino is one of Mexico and Latin America’s most renowned cultural festivals. While it is primarily a performing arts festival receiving more than 2,000 artists from more than 30 countries, from the most varied art disciplines: music, opera, theater, dance, and more. This international cultural event takes place among the GTO alleys, with indoor and outdoor stages, plazas, and street scenes while promoting artistic expression.
Guanajuato’s historic streets and venues come alive with artists, musicians, and performers worldwide during the event. The music offerings at the Festival Internacional Cervantino are diverse, featuring classical, folk, contemporary, and experimental music from various cultures and traditions, and typically runs for several weeks in October, coinciding with the Dia de Muertos celebration. What a month to be in GTO, right?
The festival attracts local and international music enthusiasts, making it a cultural and musical highlight in Guanajuato during October. So, imagine yourself strolling through the historical streets of Guanajuato with the air filled with the aroma of vendor street food and being serenaded by music from musicians from all corners of the world at every turn.
For ticket sales: Boletia and for more information: Festival Internacional Cervantino. Most events are held outdoors at several different plazas free of charge. READ the full story on Cervantino HERE
Day of the Dead: Food, Events, Tours, Hotels, and Culture
Where to stay, what are the best tours to take, and what to expect are just a few of the questions first-time travelers to Guanajuato ask.
Guanajuato Hotels
Top Hotels: Although I highly recommend staying where locals live to experience total immersion into Mexican culture – there are times when staying in hotels has an advantage. Here are a few to consider while attending the Day of the Dead: Sanbernabé Tres Casa Corazon de Plata Suites Casa Rofo and numerous Airbnb’s and hostels with extremely affordable prices. Read more and Save with Con Todo’s discounts. Be mindful – the closer to Centro Historical the louder it will be into the early morning hours.
- Hotel Santa Regina – best for families
- Hotel Corazon Mexicano- best for couples
- Hotel Meson Cuevano- best for work trips
- Casa Magica- best high-end hotel
- Hotel Real de Leyendas- best budget hotel
**Use our affiliate links to plan your trip and book accommodations to save even more**
Where and What to eat in Guanajuato
While Guanajuato has some of the best restaurants you will ever experience with stunning views of the colorful buildings with a backdrop of the mountains – street food and the Mercado were my choices. Make sure to try a Guanajuato original – Enchiladas Minerales and the Guacamayas. Try the various street foods, stand or sit on a step to eat, and literally be part of the culture.
Restaurants:
Although there are several healthy options, such as Tazon de Barro, Macanela, Escarola, and Mucho Pan, to name a few – here are some other notable restaurants to check out: See List Here. The best way to find places is just walk and explore – there is no end to the hidden spots you will find. Let me know what you find, please.
I always recommend street food due to the experience, quality, variety, and incredibly low prices.
Tours in Guanajuato
Everything seems to start in El Centro at the stunning Teatro Juarez, a point of interest with its numerous musicals, concerts, art exhibits, and events. Don’t miss the private walking, shopping, and street food tours. Make sure to sign up for Callejoneadas with the university students and local artists for a music and comedy-filled adventure through the alleyways in Historica Centro. You may choose to take day trips to nearby Santa Rosa, Dolores Hidalgo, and San Miquel de Allende. I promise you – it is well worth it.
Do you want to see the surrounding mountains and get some fresh air? Take a mountain horseback ride filled with frequent stops with music and a chance to take that perfect photo shot, or maybe an ATV adventure is more your style. Explore everything to do and see in Guanajuato! Note: Tour buses and guides are a great resource but many of the sites within Centro are walkable and most free to lowcost.
Culture and Events during The Day of the Dead
While celebrating the Day of the Dead with the locals, navigate down into a whole new world below the city, the tunnels (Tuneles Subterraneos) or callejones subterráneos, for even more celebrations. With the dark, musky tunnels as your backdrop, it comes alive with candles, costumes, makeup artists, food trucks and bars lining the underground streets, music, shopping, and parties.
Here, you will find various types of vendors selling food, sweets, handmade jewelry, clothes, trinkets, and just about anything you can think of. Here, you can even get your face painted to blend into the festive atmosphere.
Lastly, take a stroll to the Mummy Museum if you really want to be creeped out. Carmen, the witch skeletal remands, is still locked behind bars for selling her soul to the devil for eternal youth – I guess that didn’t work out too well for her.
You can expect large crowds in El Centro day and night; vendors open late into the night, and music, a festive atmosphere, and costumes, and expect to see the outrages mingled with traditions.
Make sure to attend the Catrina costume contest, watch the parades, and stop and listen to local artists and bands playing music. You definitely may want to visit Teatro Guanajuato for a show, visit one of the numerous museums and art exhibits, or do like me and get purposefully lost amongst the alleys in the numerous burros.
With parades, food, costumes, music, tours, and street entertainers, endless adventures exist around every corner and down every tunnel. Hint – Mexcal is cheap.
Tips for Visitors to the Day of the Dead Festival in Guanajuato
Travel hacks for traveling to Guanajuato or, should I say – learn from my mistakes. Pack light, but make sure to have a light jacket, sweater, or hoodie for the chilly mornings and cool mountain air. Carry your backpack everywhere with you while exploring. The locals do and you will thank me later.
Since I would be out walking all day – I wore shorts, dressed in layers, and carried my backpack since you will need to shed some clothes as it warms up into the 70s during the day. I wore mine on the plane to avoid taking up space in my carry-on. I only brought one carry-on, backpack, and one pair of shoes; the more comfortable, the better for walking all the hilly alleyways. I would advise taking just what you need and even reusing the same outfit a couple of times because you will want space to carry something back home with you. One week- 2-3 outfits that you can mix and match is a good base. I was there the last time for 2 weeks and literally only needed – maybe 5-6 combinations.
I booked 3 months in advance and was limited with options of where to stay – so I booked well in advance to have more variety and options. Book directly with a Mexican Airline if you can catch a flight out of a Bordertown and pay under $200 roundtrip if possible.
Must See Places to visit in Guanajuato
Here is just a FEW recommendations list for reference : (See a more extended list HERE)
1) Monument to the El Pipila with a beautiful view; you can take the steep walk up the steps or a Funicular located behind the Teatro Juarez. I tried both and the walk is not for the faint of heart. It’s steep!
2) Valenciana church and the socavon San Ramón, where they explained about the mining tradition in Guanajuato in the colonial time.
3) A walk and or picnic to the Bufa or Santa Rosa, Natural Protected Area “Las Palomas,” El Orito, Antiguo Camino Minero a Marfil, La Presa de la Olla
4) Las Momias, just if you are curious about mummies and to experience the strange.
5) Jardines de Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera, with some beautiful and peaceful gardens and a museum that shows how it was a mine Hacienda during the colonial time in Mexico.
6) Mercado Hidalgo has many handcrafts, Mexican ceramics, fruits, vegetables, and delicious traditional food options. Breakfasts are amazing!
7)Museo Alhóndiga de Granaditas, with an interesting exhibition of Mexico’s Prehispanic, colonial, and independence times.
8) Museums: Casa Diego Rivera, Iconografico del Quijote, De Los Poderes, Del Pueblo, and Olga Costa just to name a few. The Modern Art Museum is worth the $50 pesos and see the full list here.
9) The Alley of the Kiss is an internationally known narrow alley entrenched in legend for that perfect photo opportunity for a kiss with the one you love on the 3rd step for 7 years of love or on the balcony.
10)Teatro Juarez to attend a concert for a high-quality experience. Visit online or at the ticket counter at the Teatro.
11) “Callejoneadas,” every evening, groups meet at the theater to be led through the city and alleyways by singing troubadours in 17th-century costumes, playing music, and regaling visitors with songs and stories of Guanajuato’s past. This is a must-see experience of music and comedy from very talented artist. You can find them selling tickets throughout the centro histórica.
12) La Paz Square, San Cayetano Temple, La Valenciana Mine, University of Guanajuato, Legislative Palace, and the Funicular. Walk and explore all the hidden plazas that seem to be mixed in everywhere around each corner.
TOP least attended choice _ Castle de Santa Cecilia: Spend a couple hours walking the grounds and have a very affordable nice lunch there.
Personal Experiences and Stories from Guanajuato
My experience –
I highly encourage you to visit Guanajuato during this celebration to immerse yourself in the culture and share in not only this amazing annual tradition in Mexico but also experience what may be the most beautiful city in Mexico. Not only will I be back in Gto, I will call it home very soon.
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, Guanajuato.
As always, we appreciate you, and… Live Con Todo
Sources:
- Guanajuato Tourism Board
- Travesias Digital
- Festival Cervantino
- Expedia
- Wikipedia
- My Personal
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Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand