Japanese Bon Odori Joins Guanajuato's Day of the Dead Festival

GUANAJUATO, Mexico, Japan is the guest country at the eighth edition of the Day of the Dead Festival in the capital of Guanajuato, held from October 28 to November 2, according to the state's Secretariat of Tourism and Identity. The municipal government's official program includes Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese dance, on Sopeña street and on the Túnel de Tradición stage, along with a Japanese calligraphy workshop at the Casa de la Cultura.

María Guadalupe Robles León, the state secretary of Tourism and Identity, presented the festival at a press conference in Mexico City. Japanese visitors prefer historic cities, architecture and gastronomy over beach destinations, she said. "The presence of new international expressions confirms Guanajuato's potential to attract tourism markets," Robles León said.

The municipal president, Samantha Smith, said the festival combines Maya, Aztec and Purépecha traditions.
The festival's organizing committee projects 250,000 attendees, 14% more than in 2025, with a 19% greater economic impact and an average hotel occupancy of 78%, according to figures presented by the state tourism secretariat.

Among the activities, the state tourism office highlights the Túnel de Tradición, the Tapete de la Muerte, a parade of catrinas, videomapping and the monumental offering by the University of Guanajuato. Playa del Carmen is also a guest and contributes the Maya tradition of Hanal Pixán, the office said.