Mazatlan celebrates the Day of the Dead tradition with joy and culture

As has become a yearly tradition, Mazatlan prepares for the traditional Day of the Dead celebration.

It is a deeply special date for all Mexicans, a time to remember our loved ones who have gone before us on life’s journey.

 

One of Mexico’s most iconic traditions is the Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 2nd. On this date, the city of Mazatlan is adorned with marigold flowers, traditional sweet bread, music, altars, offerings, and Catrinas.

 

In 2025, the celebrations could not be left behind. During November 1st and 2nd, the port transforms into a vibrant stage filled with culture, art, and color, featuring various activities organized by the Mazatlan Institute of Culture, Tourism, and Art.

 

The decorations are not limited to the streets of the Pearl of the Pacific, hotels in Mazatlan also come alive with colors, altars, offerings, and ornaments, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience to enjoy during your stay by the sea.

 

The Day of the Dead is one of the most extraordinary, fantastic, mythical, and fascinating celebrations a festivity of the living to honor the departed with respect, creativity, and joy.

 

This year, the Day of the Dead activities will take place on Saturday, November 1st, mainly at Plazuela Machado and the Historic Center (which will transform into an otherworldly stage). These are the perfect places to experience a mesmerizing Mexican tradition full of color and life.

 

To commemorate the Day of the Dead, visitors to the Historic Center can attend the Museo Casa Haas to view the “Edible Catrinas” exhibition. This unique and delightful installation will be created by Mazatlan artist Luis Antonio Ríos.

 

Additionally, another highlight is a nighttime tour inside the Centro Municipal de las Artes and the iconic Teatro Angela Peralta. Artists from all disciplines at the CMA — music, singing, dance, theater, literature, and visual arts — will participate with thematic performances inspired by the celebration.

 

To cap off the evening, the most anticipated moment arrives: the traditional Day of the Dead “Callejoneada” along the main streets of the Historic Center. This event will unfold under the cover of night and the glow of creativity.

 

The Callejoneada will feature lively processions, firework shows, immersive music, costumes, Catrinas, and the iconic otherworldly characters. The parade will be led by the spectacular Catrina, created by Mazatlán artist Luis Antonio Ríos.

 

Hundreds of Mazatlan families, as well as national and international tourists — including visitors from the U.S. and Canada — are expected to attend, joining the tradition year after year, dressing and painting themselves in celebration-themed attire.

 

Of course, no Day of the Dead celebration would be complete without the traditional Altars of the Dead, which add to the mystical atmosphere surrounding Teatro Angela Peralta on this special occasion.

 

Some of the most popular offerings found on these Altars of the Dead include marigold flowers, candles, pan de muerto, water, salt, and papel picado.

 

Other personal and symbolic items commonly found on the altars include photographs of the deceased, their favorite foods and drinks, sugar skulls, copal or incense, personal belongings, and religious objects.

 

To fully enjoy your Day of the Dead experience in the Pearl of the Pacific, we recommend staying at an all-inclusive hotel in Mazatlan, so you can focus entirely on immersing yourself in the tradition.