12 “Megaofrendas” to visit in Mexico this weekend

Every year, as part of Day of the Dead celebrations, cities across Mexico are decorated with marigolds, candles and sugar skulls to honor the lives of the dead.

Ofrendas – Altars for the dead – are made from colorful powders and Picado paper (decorative tissue paper) and are decorated with photos of deceased loved ones and their favorite foods and drinks.

In addition to the traditional ofrendas that light up overnight on November 1st, several Mexican cities erect giant ofrendas in their main squares this time of year. Here are some mega races you can attend across Mexico this weekend.

Mexico City

The central Zócalo square in Mexico City becomes a giant ofrenda with larger-than-life objects Catrinas — Skeleton figures – inspired by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada.

The lighting ceremony will take place on October 30th at 7 p.m. and the ofrenda will be on display until November 3rd.

Mexico City hosts several other mega races, including one in the Anahuacalli Museumcelebrates his 60thTh Anniversary and is dedicated to its founder Diego Rivera. This event is open to the public on October 30th at 6 p.m. and can be attended until December 1st.

Every year the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) proudly presents a huge offering at the Explanada de Universum. This year the event will be open to the public November 1-3 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m

Alternatively, in the east of the city Panteon de Dolores The cemetery will have a special offer for deceased pets between November 1st and 3rd. The cemetery is open between 8am and 5pm, but it is recommended to visit early as the gates close promptly at 5pm.

San Miguel de Allende

On the Day of the Dead, several ofrendas will be displayed throughout the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, the largest of which can be found in the San Rafael neighborhood by the community organization starting at 9 a.m. on November 1st Yo Amo Mi Barrio.

The city also hosts numerous free events at key locations and neighborhoods throughout the city.

Merida

In Mérida, Yucatán, the town hall erected a huge altar in the main square on October 26 as part of its campaign Festival de las Animas 2024. The Ofrenda is 15 meters long and six meters high and will be open to visitors until November 2nd. There will also be a full program of holiday festivities running through November 8th.

Querétaro

The government is just two hours north of Mexico City in Querétaro Building a mega frenda in the Plaza de Armas downtown, dedicated to police who died in the line of duty. There will also be decorations in several central squares and streets in the city.

Puerto Vallarta/Bahía de Banderas

In Puerto Vallarta. The local council has been established on the west coast of Mexico a huge Catrina on the promenade to celebrate the Day of the Dead, 25 meters high.

A huge offering titled “Magic Cemetery” will also be on display at the museum Plaza Publica de Valle de Banderaswhere visitors can find fantastic tombs, mausoleums and ornate animal statues (Alebrijes) and huge skulls.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca attracts thousands of tourists every year for Day of the Dead celebrations. This year, at the Government Palace in the city of Oaxaca, you'll find a huge altar to the dead that will be open all week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m

A total of 700 pots of marigolds will decorate the building and candles will guide the way.

El Día de Muertos 💀🏵 You will be surprised with the legend of the Catrinas in Puerto Vallarta, even as we celebrate this tradition on our shores! 🏖🕯 Gastronomy, folklore and the best ambience there is. #JaliscoEsMexico pic.twitter.com/cdQMQykF7V

— Jalisco Es México (@JaliscoEsMexico) October 22, 2024

Patzcuaro

Another popular tourist destination in Mexico for Day of the Dead is Pátzcuaro in Michoacan.

The city is famous for its elaborate decorations and traditional festivals. This year there will be a huge ofrenda in the main square of Vasco de Quiroga, with celebrations starting at 5pm on October 30th and lasting until the night of November 3rd.

Aguascalientes

In Aguascalientes, the Cultural Institute of Aguascalientes opened its Day of the Dead ofrenda on October 25, and visitors can marvel at the altar throughout the week.

This year the Ofrenda is dedicated to the famous Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros on the 50thTh anniversary of his death.

With reports from N+, Donde Ir, Chilango, Milenio, Periodico Correo, 24 hours Yucatan, Meridiano, Ri Oaxaca, Mi Morelia And El Sol del Centro