Day of the Dead in Cabo (Día de los Muertos)
Día de los Muertos is a vibrant Mexican holiday filled with traditions and cultural celebration. If you plan to visit Cabo at the beginning of November, you'll find the city lit up with colorful decorations and a festive atmosphere as the people celebrate the Day of the Dead.
Festivities & Celebrations
Day of the Dead is an essential part of Mexican heritage and local Cabo culture. Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout the night November 1st - 2nd. The celebrations are commemorations of those who died and are held all across the country. Although the day is spent remembering those that have died, the vibe around the holiday is positive, upbeat, communal, and happy. You may hear the bustle of loud music, dancing, and people telling stories about their loved ones. Locals bake a dedicated sweet bread called “Pan de Muerto”, paint their faces, and dress in brightly colored traditional clothes.
Cemeteries are the focus of the night. In preparation, families clean the graves, brush off the leaves, and prep for the celebrations. Each grave is lavishly decorated into a homemade “altar” - filled with flowers, candles, food, photos, and other items unique to the deceased’s life. The altars tradition dates back to the indigenous Aztec people, who once believed that the objects in the altar would guide the way and help the deceased family members travel back to earth for one night.
You can best experience the spirit of the holiday in several locations in Los Cabos. San José del Cabo Gallery District, known for its authentic atmosphere, and weekly Art Walk. Art in San José this week will be themed around the celebration. With permission, you can also visit local cemeteries to see the decorated graves. Plaza Amelia is a famous place for tourists to visit during these days, as locals make much larger altars honoring their ancestors.
No matter where you are in Mexico during the celebrations, keep in mind that Day of the Dead is a sacred family holiday to the people of Mexico. Be respectful of the locals, and if you want to take photos, be sure to ask for permission first.
What about Halloween?
Halloween in Cabo San Lucas is the night before Day of the Dead (October 31), just as it is celebrated in the U.S. Halloween is not a Mexican holiday, but the people of Cabo have adopted some U.S. traditions surrounding the day. Children in Mexico embrace the night with trick-or-treating, so feel free to dress up while you’re out and hand out a bag of candy on the streets. Many resorts and restaurants have adopted Halloween celebrations for Cabo tourists, and there are plenty of events and parties that you can find throughout the city if you want to do more.
Los Cabos has so much to offer its visitors! If you’d like help planning your stay, feel free to contact us here for local Cabo expertise. You can also email us at info@edsdestinations.com. We offer concierge services and luxury vacation rentals that will make your stay enjoyable, comfortable, and unforgettable. Happy Travels!