Around 1.5 million celebrate Día de Muertos in Mexico City!

Around 1.5 million celebrate Día de Muertos in Mexico City!

On Saturday, November 2, 2025, around 1.5 million people in Mexico City celebrated Día de Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. This spectacular parade has become one of the traditional celebrations that commemorate the return of deceased relatives and loved ones to earth. The Mexican government reported the high number of participants in the ninth edition of the parade, which featured a diverse range of activities. The parade, which was first launched in 2016, was initiated as a tourist attraction and is based on a scene from the James Bond film “Spectre” (2015).

Parade participants featured an impressive backdrop of cardboard skeletons, approximately 8,000 costumed performers and elaborately decorated floats. This lively performance reflects the indigenous traditions and cultural richness cherished in Mexico in relation to Día de Muertos. This tradition was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2008, which underlines the global significance of the festival.

Traditions and rituals

Día de Muertos is celebrated on the Catholic holidays of All Saints and All Souls. During this time, people believe that the souls of the deceased return to visit their families. Indigenous communities in Mexico have developed special rituals to honor the return of the dead. This includes setting up and decorating altars in living spaces as well as laying out flower petals, candles and offerings that mark the path of souls from the cemetery to the homes.

The celebrations typically span the period from late October to early November and coincide with the completion of the annual planting of corn, one of the country's most important food sources. Great emphasis is placed on preparation as there is a belief that performing the rituals can make the difference between prosperity or misfortune for the living. The dead are divided into different categories based on cause of death, age and occupation, and a specific memorial day is set for each deceased person.

The encounter between the living and the dead is more than just a custom; it affirms the social role of each individual and strengthens the social status of the indigenous communities in Mexico. This fusion of pre-Columbian religious rites and Catholic festivals demonstrates the cultural diversity and shared beliefs of the local people.

As the Mexican government and cultural organizations emphasize, such events today are not only a tribute to those who have died, but also a celebration of Mexican heritage and the joy of life that attracts many people around the world. Interest in this cultural heritage is constantly growing, and the parade in Mexico City has become a major event that attracts both locals and tourists.