Although various cultures around the world have their own thoughts about honoring the dead, none are more interesting than the colorful celebrations during Día de Muertos — the “Day of the Dead”. Festivities that commemorate the lives of those who have passed exist through much of Latin America — in countries such as Guatemala, Bolivia, and Ecuador, to name just a few.

The Day of the Dead originated in Mexico, and is celebrated from October 31 to November 2 every year, and blends rituals from Mexico’s early Aztec culture with All Saints Day observations from Catholicism brought over by the Spanish Empire. The event focuses on activities the dead enjoyed in life and centers around family get-togethers and parties with lot of great food and drink.

But even in the United States, particularly in communities that contain the Mexican diaspora, you can partake in the festivities as well. Just follow this list of the best places to celebrate the Day of the Dead in the U.S., so you can experience a cultural eye-opener that will change your perception of life…and death!

San Diego, California

With its proximity to Mexico — Tijuana is about 20 miles away — San Diego naturally plays host to a Day of the Dead celebration or two, including a two-day Día de los Muertos celebration that’s authentic as the celebrations in Mexico. The city’s Old Town comes alive at the start of the month of November for the Old Town Festival, and the Day of the Dead celebrations are part of the proceedings.

The historic marketplace transforms into a massive altar that holds activities that include face painting, public memorials, giant skeleton puppets, Aztec and folkórico dancing, and live music, not to mention some mouth-watering food options. The candlelight procession, which is usually held on November 2, is free to attend.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson‘s All Souls Procession is one of North America’s largest processions dedicated to commemorating the dead. The event, which began in 1990, not only borrows heavily from the strong Hispanic rituals of mourning the dead, but also acts as an artistic platform. Art installations, music, and dance all come together to celebrate the lives of loved ones from all ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

The two-mile long procession that now welcomes over 150,000 marchers culminates in the ceremonial burning of a large urn filled with letters, offerings, and the wishes people direct toward their departed loved ones. The procession is not only a beautiful and poignant celebration of life, but also a cathartic and healing experience for those dealing with loss.

Did you know?: The famous skeletal face of a lady “La Catrina” that’s often seen painted on the faces of Día de los Muertos participants is inspired by La Calavera Catrina, an early 1900s zinc etching by Mexican illustrator José Posada. The image did not become iconic until it was incorporated into another mural by Mexican artist Diego Rivera, who’s 1947 completed work, titled Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central (“Dream of a Sunday Afternoon along Central Alameda”), portrayed the character standing alongside other important figures in Mexican history.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles really comes alive for Día de Muertos. The annual Olvera Street Día de los Muertos celebration is a nine-day event that draws inspiration from the traditional pre-Columbian rituals surrounding life and death. Each night, you can be a part of an amazing procession that starts and ends with a traditional Mayan cleansing ceremony and includes Aztec dancers. Plus, you can also enjoy the sweet bread and champurrado — Mexican hot chocolate made with corn flour — that’s handed out to attendees. There are also community altars on display, face-painting stalls, and dance performances.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s Mission District has seen decades of activities centered around Día de Los Muertos. The annual Festival of Altars takes place on November 2 in Potrero Del Sol Park (La Raza Park). The event is a meaningful and somber artistic expression of life and death, and participants are encouraged to come see the traditional, contemporary, and experimental community altars on display. Attendees can bring flowers, candles, and mementos of loved ones to contribute to these altars.

Following the Festival of Altars, a Día de Los Muertos procession takes place, during which attendees can dress up in colorful Day of the Dead outfits and bring flowers, candles, and other memorable items from the lives of their deceased loved ones that they can then place on altars.

San Antonio, Texas

With a population that proudly identifies as 64% Hispanic, San Antonio hosts Day of the Dead celebrations that are both vibrant and deeply significant. There are major celebrations planned throughout the city with notable processions in the downtown La Villita Historic Arts Village, as well as the massive Día de Los Muertos festival (AKA “Muertosfest”) held at the end of October. Muertosfest usually offers an impressive musical lineup — from traditional to alt-Latino acts — and includes an altar exhibition and contest, food and art vendors, puppet parades, live poetry performances, and much more.

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about Halloween celebrations, but the city’s Florida Day of the Dead Celebration is one of the largest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the country. The free event has a variety of related exhibits and art spread throughout the city that leads up to the main procession on November 2.

This important day kicks off with a Meso-American indigenous welcome that ushers visitors to different stages that showcase traditional dance, music, and handicrafts, along with stalls selling skeleton costumes and mask vendors for the procession. There’s also plenty of beautiful ofrendas, incredible giant skeleton puppets, sugar skull face painting, and folkloric musical performances, all good reasons to head to Florida for the spookiest time of the year!

FAQs:

Q: What should I wear to a Día de los Muertos celebration?
A: You’ll see a mix of traditional outfits, colorful attire, and costumes. Many attendees paint their faces with skull designs in homage to La Catrina. Dress comfortably, as celebrations often include parades, dancing, and other activities.

Q: Are Día de los Muertos events family-friendly?
A: Yes, most U.S. Día de los Muertos celebrations are family-friendly and welcome all ages, offering activities like face painting, arts and crafts, and parades suitable for children.

Q: Is there an entrance fee for these celebrations?
A: Many events, such as those in Old Town San Diego or Fort Lauderdale, are free to attend, though some festivals may charge fees for specific activities or performances. Check the event website for details.

Q: Can I bring offerings or mementos for the altars?
A: Yes, most celebrations with community altars, like those in San Francisco’s Festival of Altars, encourage participants to bring photos, flowers, or small mementos in honor of loved ones.

Q: Are there food and drinks available at the events?
A: Absolutely. Many Día de los Muertos celebrations offer Mexican treats like pan de muerto, sugar skulls, and champurrado. Food stalls or vendors are typically available, especially at larger festivals.

Q: How long do Día de los Muertos celebrations typically last?
A: While Día de los Muertos is celebrated from October 31 to November 2, some events, such as Los Angeles’ Olvera Street festival, last several days. Check specific dates for each location to plan your visit.

Q: Is photography allowed at Día de los Muertos events?
A: In general, photography is allowed, but it’s respectful to ask before photographing people or personal offerings on altars. Many events have guidelines, so check if any restrictions apply.

Have we missed out any other cities with great Día de Los Muertos celebrations? Share them with us in the comments section!