Mexico City’s
Annual Day of the Dead Parade
Saturday, Nov. 2nd, 2024

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Mexico City’s famous Day of the Dead Parade marks the end of a series of cultural activities (music and dance concerts, food festivals, art exhibits, movies) focused on the uniqueness of Mexico’s ancient holiday. Since being officially incorporated in 2016 into the city’s annual celebrations (following the success of the movie Spectre), it has become one of the city’s most cherished events. It is popular not just with Mexico City residents, but especially with tourists, and every year an estimated 1 to 3 million people line the streets to catch a glimpse of the parade’s colorful floats and costumes, and partake in the festive, ‘carnivalesque’ atmosphere.

We attended the parade in November 2023 and have first-hand knowledge of what to expect. The parade begins at around 2 pm and ends approximately 4 hours later. It starts at the Puerta de Leones in Chapultepec Park, and proceeds along Paseo de la Reforma before turning down Avenida Juárez, crossing el Eje Central and winding its way down Avenida 5 de Mayo, finally ending up in a huge street party in the Zócalo.

However, standing non-stop for 4 hours was a bit long on our feet, which is why for next year’s celebration, we’ve booked two suites with balconies overlooking the parade route, at the Hotel Gillow. 

Helpful links:

Click here to see the famous opening of the 2015 James Bond movie, Spectre,
featuring a ‘make believe’ Day of the Dead Parade that ended up inspiring the real
thing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbqv1kbsNUY

​

Click here to see David’s photos and short videos from last year’s parade:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/u4poaguMKmXMgVWW8