The Best Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead

The annual Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos holiday (October 31-November 2) isn't about sadness or loss but rather happiness and celebration and there are plenty of places to take part in the multi-day Mexican cultural tradition. Whether you're celebrating somewhere south of the border or in your own backyard, the spirit of remembrance remains the same.

Oaxaca's significance as a cultural hub of Mexico is key to what makes it such a special place to celebrate Day of the Dead. Visitors to Oaxaca City from October 31-November 2 are ensured an authentic experience of Dia de los Muertos traditions such as the display of ofrendas or altars, sugar skulls and an array of eye-popping costumes right on time for Halloween. Revelers can also peruse local markets to find festive souvenirs to remember their time by.

Given Southern California's close proximity to Mexico, it's not at all surprising that Los Angeles County is home to the largest Hispanic and Latino population of any county in the U.S. Notable Day of the Dead festivities in L.A. include the nine-day Day of the Dead Festival at Olvera Street featuring pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan and Catholic rituals as well as children's workshops, face painting and other entertainment to keep your spirits high.

Parades, lively concerts and candlelit cemeteries. Mexico City has it during Day of the Dead when Mexico's capital city comes together to honor the deceased. Have your face painted and enjoy some pan de muerto (the traditional Day of the Dead bread) as you take part in this one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

Friendly locals help make Merida an exceptional host to autumn's Day of the Dead festivities. Nearby ancient Mayan ruins also set this destination apart. What's more, the Yucatan's Hanal Pixan (Food for the Souls) brings unique Maya touches to the traditional Dia de los Muertos celebration, making it a no-brainer for those seeking a slight twist on this iconic holiday.

Another American city with tremendous Hispanic and Latino cultural influence, San Antonio's annual Day of the Dead celebration has become the largest in the U.S. This year's autumn remembrance will include a wide variety of events, activities and attractions ranging from traditional to new. Visitors can look forward to 5K runs, street-art and museum exhibitions, live music and a whole lot more.

Travelers to Mexico's Cancun-Riviera Maya region this fall can't go wrong by attending Grupo Xcaret's 2019 Festival of Life and Death from October 20 through November 2. During Dia de los Muertos, Xcaret Park will host spirited concerts, theatrical performances, folkloric dances and much more while guests staying at Hotel Xcaret Mexico can look forward to a special Day of the Dead menu, exclusive Mezcal tastings and live entertainment. Meanwhile, guests at the nearby Hilton Playa Del Carmen can also participate in the regional tradition of Hanal Pixan by sampling culinary tasting dishes, partaking in a costumed theme party and learning about the history of Dia de los Muertos.

The Day of the Dead celebrations in the villages around Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacan, Mexico are nothing short of magical as notable events include the Catrina Festival in Capula and the Artisan Market around Patzcuaro's La Plaza Grande. Isla de Janitzio is a popular stop for those seeking to join in the festivities but a worthwhile experience if you don't mind navigating the crowds.

This charming colonial-era city celebrates Day of the Dead like few other places in Mexico, honoring the dead and commemorating life with lively parades, art installations, dances, plays and so much more. The only mistake you can make is not giving yourself enough time to revel in it all.

The Guadalajara municipality of Tlaquepaque is a renowned destination for art and likewise a phenomenal place to celebrate Day of the Dead. Visitors will encounter all of the events that make the three-day tradition to special such as colorfully-decorated ofrendas, face painting and parades but can also dive deeper into the local culture by paying a visit to the neighborhood cemeteries and honoring the dead alongside their families.

Chiapas is home to multiple magic towns, including Chiapa de Corzo. Ideal for those in search of a Day of the Dead celebration far from the beaten path, Chiapas offers the opportunity to pay your respects and celebrate the dead with festive decorations, live music and other traditions from local cemeteries.

Chicago might be a long way from Latin America but it certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to celebrating Dia de los Muertos thanks to the National Museum of Mexican Art, which hosts the free Day of the Dead Xicago each year, a one-day event where families are encouraged to share a photograph of their departed loved one to be included in a large memorial in remembrance. Highlights include eye-popping ofrendas, live musical performances, face painting, art activities and even pan de muerto.

Considered to be among the top Dia de los Muertos events in the U.S., Florida Day of the Dead in downtown Fort Lauderdale is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019. This year's festivities are planned for November 2 with highlights including more than a half-dozen performance stages, dozens of massive puppets and a handful of dance and music groups, among other things.