The Mexican Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) has invited both national and international audiences to experience Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, which this year will celebrate “The Most Living Party of All” with more than 140 cultural and culinary activities from October 25 to November 4 in the capital city.
During a press conference held at the Los Pinos Cultural Complex in Mexico City, Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora and Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz presented the cultural agenda for the festival, considered one of the most emblematic celebrations in the country.
“Oaxaca is the melting pot of cultures, a beautiful place where you can hear 16 languages and their variants,” said Rodríguez Zamora. “As Mexicans, we must come to Oaxaca to live it — to enjoy its gastronomy, its smoky cuisine, and its culture, which is expressed in a very special way through the Guelaguetza.”
The tourism minister emphasized that Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most meaningful cultural expressions, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and underscored that Oaxaca represents one of the most authentic destinations to experience this ancestral tradition.
Governor Salomón Jara Cruz explained that the state shares with the country and the world a tradition that honors memory and reaffirms the identity of the Oaxacan people.
“Day of the Dead is an opportunity to show how the people of Oaxaca live this tradition with pride, devotion, and joy,” he said. “We invite national and international visitors to walk through our cemeteries and altars, enjoy our cuisine, music, and processions, and be part of the most living party of all.”
The governor reported that the state expects the arrival of thousands of national and foreign tourists, generating an economic impact exceeding 380 million pesos (20.69 million USD), boosting local consumption, artisanal activity, and Shared Prosperity across Oaxacan communities.
Rodríguez Zamora noted that 95% of the events will be free of charge and open to the public, featuring exhibitions, monumental altars, processions, workshops, gastronomic temptations, and musical performances — turning Oaxacan traditions into authentic cultural and tourist experiences.
“Day of the Dead transforms the idea of death into a celebration full of color, joy, flavor, and tradition,” said Rodríguez Zamora. “Today we are experiencing a Mexico that is in vogue — and Oaxaca is, too. Let’s make our checklist of experiences we want to discover this Day of the Dead and head to Oaxaca, the heart of our roots.”
The official recalled that in 2024, Day of the Dead festivities attracted more than three million tourists and generated 26 billion pesos (1.42 billion USD) in revenue, a figure expected to grow by 5–6 percent this year.
During the event, the Minister of Tourism announced that Oaxaca will be part of Mexico’s international tourism promotion strategy, participating in the 2026 International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, where Mexico will be the Guest Country of Honor.
The full schedule of activities for “The Most Living Party of All” can be found on the official websites of the Government of Oaxaca and the Ministry of Tourism.
“Day of the Dead not only celebrates life and memory,” Rodríguez Zamora concluded, “it celebrates the soul of Mexico and its cultural diversity — which today flourishes in Oaxaca.”
Related: Mexico Reaffirms Its Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
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