Day of the Dead 2025 to Generate 2.69 Billion USD in Economic Activity

The Mexican Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Concanaco Servytur) estimates that the 2025 Day of the Dead festivities will generate 2.69 Billion USD (49.5 billion pesos) in spending nationwide.

This represents a 9.2% increase compared to 2024, when the corresponding figure was 2.46 Billion USD (45.3 billion pesos) reinforcing this centuries-old tradition as one of the most significant drivers of seasonal spending in Mexico.

According to Concanaco Servytur, the November 1 and 2 celebrations, which blend cultural identity, remembrance, and economic vitality, have a direct impact on thousands of family businesses, neighborhood shops, and tourism-related services across the country.

This year’s growth is underpinned by Friday, October 31 coinciding with the “Very Mexican Friday” program, a national initiative offering discounts and promotions on the last Friday of every month.

In addition, the alignment with month-end and payday is expected to boost purchasing power, driving demand for marigold flowers, traditional “pan de muerto,” altar decorations, and short-distance travel.

The most benefited sectors include flower sales, bakeries and traditional foods, altar and decoration items, costumes, candies, as well as convenience stores, public markets, hotels, short-term rentals, and travel agencies.

Cultural tourism plays a vital role in this economic activity. Concanaco Servytur highlights a range of festivals and events expected to draw large crowds, including the Mega Catrina Parade (October 26, Paseo de la Reforma), the Grand Day of the Dead Procession (November 2, from Chapultepec to the Zócalo, with an expected attendance of over one million people), the “Alumbrada” in Mixquic, altar displays and canoe processions in Janitzio, and local fairs, contests, and food festivals throughout the country.

The Day of the Dead season has shown steady growth in recent years:

2022: 2.05 billion dollars (37.7 billion pesos); 2023: 2.24 billion dollars (41.2 billion pesos); 2024: 2.46 billion dollars (45.3 billion pesos); and 2025 (estimated): 2.69 billion dollars (49.5 billion pesos).

These revenues translate into sales and liquidity for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of Mexico’s local commerce.

“Celebrating our traditions also means investing in our communities. Concanaco Servytur will continue to support family businesses and local commerce — pillars of Mexico’s economy and cultural identity,” said Dr. Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano, President of the Confederation.