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Día de los Muertos in San Miguel de Allende: What to Expect (and How to Prepare)
I recently wrapped up my second BaldGirlWillTravel group trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for Día de los Muertos, and what a wonderful week it was! I hosted 14 fabulous women who joined me for a week of culture, remembrance, sisterhood, good food, wine, and some truly unforgettable experiences in the beautiful city I've called home since 2021.
We explored San Miguel on a cultural walking tour, visited the magnificent Sanctuary of Atotonilco (often called the Sistine Chapel of Mexico), enjoyed a wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard, spent a relaxing day soaking in thermal waters, and participated in a beautiful remembrance ceremony honoring loved ones who are no longer with us. And, of course, we experienced the incredible Día de los Muertos celebrations, including the ofrendas, Catrina makeup, and parade through the streets of San Miguel de Allende. It was an amazing week, and sharing the experience with a group of Black women over 40 made it even more special. Having lived in San Miguel de Allende since 2021 and now hosted two group trips centered around Día de los Muertos, I have learned quite a bit about what visitors should expect and how to prepare for this very special time of year. And let me tell you, there are definitely some things you need to know before you come!
But before I get into my practical tips, let's talk about what Día de los Muertos actually is, because understanding the holiday is just as important as knowing what shoes to pack.
What Is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who have died. Although the name translates to "Day of the Dead," the holiday is not primarily about death or mourning. It is about celebrating life, remembering those who came before us, and maintaining a spiritual and emotional connection with the people we have lost. The celebration reflects a blending of Indigenous Mexican traditions and Catholic observances, particularly All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
The main observances take place on November 1 and November 2, although celebrations and preparations often begin several days earlier. Traditionally:
November 1: Día de los Angelitos, or Day of the Little Angels, is associated with remembering children who have died.
November 2: Día de los Muertos is generally associated with remembering deceased adults.
Traditions vary throughout Mexico, but the central idea is that the memories and spirits of loved ones are welcomed and honored. Families create elaborate altars called ofrendas, decorated with photographs, candles, flowers, food, drinks, and personal items associated with those who have passed away.
One of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday is the bright orange marigold, known in Mexico as cempasúchil. These flowers are traditionally believed to help guide the spirits of loved ones back to their families.
You will also see colorful papel picado (decorative cut-paper banners), sugar skulls, candles, and special foods, including pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread associated with the holiday.
And then there are the Catrinas! La Catrina, the elegantly dressed female skeleton often depicted wearing an elaborate hat, has become one of the most recognizable symbols associated with Día de los Muertos. The figure originated in Mexican satirical art and became especially prominent through the work of artist Diego Rivera. Today, you'll see people wearing elaborate Catrina makeup and clothing during Día de los Muertos celebrations throughout Mexico.
Día de los Muertos Is NOT Mexican Halloween
I want to emphasize this because people sometimes confuse the two celebrations.
Día de los Muertos is not simply Mexico's version of Halloween. Although some of the imagery may seem similar, the traditions, meaning, and cultural significance are very different. Halloween is generally associated with costumes, spooky themes, and trick-or-treating.v Día de los Muertos is fundamentally about remembrance, family, ancestry, and honoring the lives of those who have passed away. Yes, there are parties, parades, music, costumes, and celebrations. But underneath all the festivities is something much deeper. And that is what makes experiencing Día de los Muertos in Mexico so special.
Why San Miguel de Allende Is Such a Wonderful Place to Experience Día de los Muertos
San Miguel de Allende is already one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, in my opinion. With its colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, art galleries, and incredible restaurants, it is a wonderful destination any time of year. But during Día de los Muertos, San Miguel transforms. The streets fill with orange marigolds, elaborate ofrendas, papel picado, Catrinas, music, and visitors from all over the world.
The historic Centro becomes especially festive, with public displays, celebrations, and the famous Catrina parade. One of my favorite things to do during this time is simply walk around Centro and admire the altars. Some are elaborate artistic installations, while others are more personal tributes to family members, friends, and prominent individuals. Each tells a story. And if you slow down enough to appreciate them, you begin to understand that Día de los Muertos is about much more than beautiful decorations and fabulous photographs. Now that we've covered the meaning behind the celebration, let's talk about what you should expect when visiting San Miguel during Día de los Muertos and how to prepare.
1. Expect Crowds. Lots of Them!
Let me start with one of the most important things you need to know. Día de los Muertos is one of the busiest times of the year in San Miguel de Allende. People travel here from throughout Mexico and around the world to experience the celebrations. Hotels fill up, restaurants get crowded, traffic increases, and Centro becomes incredibly busy, particularly around November 1 and 2.
If you are someone who dislikes crowds, you need to prepare yourself. My recommendation is to explore Centro during the morning hours when things tend to be a little quieter. You can enjoy the decorations, see the ofrendas, and take photographs without dealing with the biggest crowds.
Then return in the evening when you want to experience the energy and excitement of the celebrations. And remember, you do not have to participate in every single event. Sometimes just wandering through the streets and taking it all in is the best experience of all.
2. Book Your Accommodations Early
If you are planning to visit San Miguel for Día de los Muertos, do not wait until the last minute to book your hotel. Seriously. This is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and accommodations can fill up months in advance.
I recommend booking at least several months ahead, particularly if you want to stay in or near Centro. Location matters. During Día de los Muertos, some streets may be closed to vehicle traffic, and getting around by car can become challenging. Staying within walking distance of the historic center can make your visit much easier.
However, keep in mind that hotels in the heart of Centro may also experience more noise because of the festivities. Think about what matters most to you when choosing your accommodations.
3. Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes
If you have read any of my other blog posts about visiting San Miguel de Allende, you already know I talk about this constantly. And I am going to say it again.
Bring comfortable walking shoes!
San Miguel has cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, hills, and plenty of places where you need to watch where you are stepping. During Día de los Muertos, when streets are crowded or closed to traffic, you may end up walking much more than you anticipated. I cannot overemphasize how important good shoes are.
I recommend supportive sneakers or comfortable walking shoes with good traction. If you need additional arch support, consider using gel inserts or orthotic insoles.
And please, do not bring brand-new shoes that you have never worn before. This is not the trip to break them in! You can absolutely look fabulous while wearing comfortable shoes. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
4. Pack Layers Because the Weather Changes
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about Mexico is that it is always hot. Not in San Miguel! San Miguel sits at a high elevation, and although the days in late October and early November are often sunny and pleasant, the evenings can become quite cool. You may be perfectly comfortable walking around in a lightweight outfit during the afternoon and find yourself reaching for a jacket after sunset. I recommend bringing sweaters, lightweight jackets, wraps, and other pieces you can layer. If you plan to attend the evening festivities or the Catrina parade, make sure you have something warm enough to wear. And remember, you may be standing outdoors for quite some time. Comfort matters.
5. Make Restaurant Reservations in Advance
San Miguel de Allende has a fabulous restaurant scene, with everything from casual local eateries to upscale dining experiences. But during Día de los Muertos, restaurants—particularly popular establishments in Centro—can become extremely busy. If there are specific restaurants you want to visit, make reservations in advance. This is especially important if you are traveling with a group. Trying to find a table for six or eight people on a busy evening during Día de los Muertos is not my idea of fun. And I also encourage you to explore restaurants outside of the main tourist areas. Some of the best food in San Miguel can be found away from the busiest streets.
6. Get Your Catrina Makeup Professionally Done
One of the fun things about visiting San Miguel during Día de los Muertos is the opportunity to dress up as a Catrina. You will see people wearing elaborate makeup, beautiful dresses, incredible hats, and all kinds of creative outfits. If you want the full experience, I recommend arranging for professional makeup. There are talented makeup artists throughout San Miguel who specialize in Catrina designs during this time of year. But book early!
Appointments can fill up quickly, especially on November 1 and 2. And give yourself enough time for the makeup application. Depending on how elaborate your design is, it may take an hour or longer. Also, think about your outfit in advance. You do not have to spend a fortune or wear an elaborate costume to participate. A beautiful black dress, comfortable shoes, and professional Catrina makeup can create a fabulous look.
And if you are planning to walk around Centro or participate in the parade, I would strongly recommend prioritizing comfort over an outfit that looks amazing but is impossible to walk in.
7. Take Time to Appreciate the Ofrendas
This is one of my favorite parts of Día de los Muertos. Throughout San Miguel, you will find beautiful ofrendas honoring people who have died. Some are dedicated to family members, while others recognize historical figures, artists, and important members of the community.
During our 2026 group trip, we spent time walking around Centro admiring the altars.
It was wonderful to see the creativity, care, and emotion that went into creating these tributes. And while they make beautiful photographs, I encourage you to spend some time actually looking at them.
Read the names.
Look at the photographs.
Notice the personal items.
Think about the lives being remembered.
And please be respectful.
Do not touch or rearrange the items on the altars. Do not climb onto displays or treat them like photo booths. These are memorials, not simply decorations.
8. Attend the Catrina Parade, But Prepare for the Crowds
The Catrina parade is one of the highlights of the Día de los Muertos celebrations in San Miguel de Allende. People dress in elaborate costumes and makeup, music fills the streets, and the atmosphere is festive and exciting. If you are visiting during Día de los Muertos, I definitely recommend experiencing it at least once.
But prepare yourself.
It gets crowded!
Very crowded.
If you want a good viewing spot, arrive early. Wear comfortable shoes because you may be standing for a while. And be aware that the parade schedule and route can change from year to year. In fact, during our 2026 group trip, the parade was scheduled earlier than the previous year's event, which meant we had to adjust our plans. My advice is to check the official schedule close to your travel dates rather than assuming the parade will take place at the same time every year. Also, don't make the parade your entire Día de los Muertos experience. There is so much more to see and do.
9. Allow Extra Time to Get Around
This is particularly important if you are traveling with a group or have scheduled activities. During Día de los Muertos, traffic in and around Centro can become challenging. Streets may be closed for events, and taxis and private vehicles may have to take alternate routes. What normally takes 10 minutes might take considerably longer. If you have dinner reservations, scheduled makeup appointments, or tickets to a special event, plan accordingly.
Do not assume that you can leave your hotel at the last minute and arrive on time. And if you are planning group activities, build extra time into your schedule. I learned a long time ago that a little flexibility can make the difference between an enjoyable travel experience and an unnecessarily stressful one.
10. Carry Pesos and Keep Your Valuables Secure
Although many businesses in San Miguel accept credit cards, I always recommend carrying some Mexican pesos. You may want to buy something from a street vendor, enjoy a snack, purchase flowers, or leave a tip. Having cash available makes things easier. However, you do not need to walk around carrying large amounts of money. Carry what you reasonably expect to spend. And because Día de los Muertos attracts large crowds, be mindful of your belongings. I recommend a secure crossbody bag that allows you to keep your hands free. Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables secure, particularly when walking through crowded areas. Anytime there are large crowds anywhere there is a risk of pickpockets. This is not about being fearful. It is simply about traveling smart.
11. Consider Participating in a Remembrance Ceremony
One of the most meaningful experiences during our 2026 BaldGirlWillTravel group trip was the remembrance ceremony we held at Casa Elm. The ladies were invited to bring photographs of loved ones who had passed away, and we took time to remember and honor them. It was a beautiful and emotional experience. And for me, it reinforced what Día de los Muertos is really about. We can enjoy the festivities, the music, the makeup, and the parade, but the heart of this celebration is remembrance.
If you visit San Miguel for Día de los Muertos, I encourage you to find your own way to honor someone you have lost. It does not have to be elaborate.
Bring a photograph.
Say their name.
Share a memory.
Take a quiet moment to think about them. There is something incredibly meaningful about celebrating the lives of the people who helped shape who we are.
12. Don't Overplan Your Visit
I say this about travel in general, but it is particularly important during Día de los Muertos. There is so much happening in San Miguel that you could easily spend your entire visit rushing from one activity to another. Don't do that.
Give yourself time to explore. Sit in the Jardín and people-watch. Walk through the streets and admire the decorations.
Stop for coffee or a cocktail.
Visit a local market.
Enjoy a leisurely meal.
Take photographs.
And sometimes just put your phone away and enjoy being there. You do not need to check every box to have an incredible experience. Some of the best travel memories happen when you leave room for spontaneity.
13. Remember That You Are Experiencing Someone Else's Cultural Tradition
This is something I think is especially important when we travel. Día de los Muertos is not just an event created for tourists. It is a meaningful cultural tradition that Mexican families have celebrated for generations. As visitors, we are fortunate to be able to experience and participate in many of the public celebrations. But we should do so with respect. Learn about the meaning behind the traditions. Respect the ofrendas. Be thoughtful when photographing people, particularly families participating in private moments of remembrance. And remember that not every cultural experience needs to become content for social media. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is simply observe, appreciate, and learn.
14. Consider Visiting San Miguel for More Than Just Día de los Muertos
One thing I always encourage visitors to do is give themselves enough time to enjoy San Miguel beyond the main celebrations.
San Miguel de Allende is a wonderful destination with so much to offer. During our 2026 group trip, we enjoyed several experiences outside of the Día de los Muertos festivities, including a cultural walking tour, wine tasting at my favorite winery, a visit to the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, and a relaxing day at my favorite Hot Springs spot.
These experiences allowed the ladies to appreciate different aspects of San Miguel and the surrounding region. There is wonderful food, art, culture, history, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to relax. If you are coming all the way to San Miguel for Día de los Muertos, I recommend staying long enough to enjoy more of what the city has to offer.
My Final Word: Día de los Muertos Is More Than a Beautiful Celebration
After living in San Miguel de Allende since 2021 and hosting two group trips centered around Día de los Muertos, I can tell you that this is one of my favorite times of the year in this beautiful city.
Yes, the decorations are spectacular.
Yes, the Catrina makeup is fabulous.
Yes, the parades, music, and celebrations are fun.
But what makes Día de los Muertos truly special is the meaning behind it. It is about remembering the people who came before us. It is about honoring the lives of those we love. And it is about recognizing that although someone may no longer be physically present, their memory and the impact they had on our lives remain.
Hosting my second BaldGirlWillTravel group trip during Día de los Muertos was particularly meaningful because it allowed me to share this beautiful tradition with women who came together not only to explore a new place but also to connect, celebrate life, and remember loved ones.
There was laughter.
There was wine.
There was dancing.
There was sisterhood.
And there were moments of reflection and remembrance.
To me, that is what makes travel so special. It is not just about where you go.
It is about what you experience, what you learn, and the memories you carry home.
If you are thinking about visiting San Miguel de Allende for Día de los Muertos, I highly recommend it. Just come prepared, be respectful of the traditions, and give yourself enough time to truly enjoy the experience. And who knows? Perhaps I'll host another BaldGirlWillTravel Día de los Muertos meetup in San Miguel de Allende in 2028!
If I do, I hope you'll consider joining me. Remember, my BaldGirlWillTravel group trips are curated specifically for Black women age 40 and over who want to experience the world through culture, connection, sisterhood, and unforgettable travel experiences.
You can learn more about my upcoming group trips HERE
Until next time, keep exploring, keep experiencing new cultures, and never stop making memories.
Want to see more from my 2026 BaldGirlWillTravel Día de los Muertos meetup in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico? Head over to my BaldGirlWillTravel YouTube channel for highlights from our incredible week of culture, sisterhood, remembrance, fabulous food, wine, and unforgettable experiences! I also share my personal travel adventures, practical travel tips, destination guides, and behind-the-scenes looks at my BaldGirlWillTravel group trips, curated for Black women age 40 and over.
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