Día de los Muertos 2025: parades, ofrendas, and marigolds bloom from CDMX to U.S. cities this week

As October turns to November, Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead is moving from planning to full celebration. Cities across Mexico and the United States are unveiling altars, parades, and concerts that honor loved ones while showcasing Indigenous and Catholic traditions that view death as part of life. From Mexico City’s mega-parade to neighborhood ofrendas in Los Angeles and Texas, here’s what’s happening now—and how to participate respectfully.

Mexico City’s Day of the Dead: parade route, plaza performances, and marigold season

After a weekend warm-up with Catrinas filling Reforma, Mexico City’s main Día de los Muertos parade steps off Saturday afternoon, following the familiar Chapultepec–Reforma–Zócalo route with floats, monumental alebrijes, and thousands of performers. The capital is also staging free cultural programs in the Zócalo, including evening performances tied to the holiday. Markets are bursting with cempasúchil (marigolds), harvested in and around the Valley of Mexico; the bright petals line streets, plazas, and cemeteries and are a staple on family ofrendas.

Tips if you go (CDMX):

• Arrive early to claim space along Reforma; bring water and sun protection.

• Expect intermittent closures and heavy transit use around the Historic Center.

• Nighttime plaza events fill quickly—plan a backup viewing spot.

Los Angeles and Southern California: altars downtown and coastal festivities

In Los Angeles, downtown parks and cultural spaces are hosting multi-day ofrenda displays through the first weekend of November, with community-built altars, live music, and family activities. Neighborhood calendars from Santa Monica to Long Beach add pop-up markets, face painting, and mariachi performances, plus film screenings of Coco for younger visitors. Many events are free or low-cost, with staggered entry windows to manage crowds.

What to expect (LA/Long Beach):

• Ofrendas curated by local artists and families—bring a small photo or written remembrance if an altar invites public offerings.

• Aztec dance and blessing ceremonies; please give space, observe respectfully, and follow organizer guidance on photography.

• Evening weather is mild and dry; plan light layers and comfortable shoes.

Texas spotlight: Houston, Austin, San Antonio add flavor and craft

Major Texas metros are rolling out festivals that blend tradition and local flair. Programming spans community altars, ballet folklórico, markets, and concerts. Bakeries are featuring classic pan de muerto alongside creative limited editions that nod to regional ingredients and symbolism. Many museums and parks have added children’s activities, pet ofrendas, and accessible craft stations to widen participation.

Practical notes (TX cities):

• Check event schedules for timed entries and road closures around parade routes.

• Food-and-craft markets are card-friendly but bring small cash for independent vendors.

• Pet ofrendas commonly request collar tags or printed photos only—no perishable food.

The meaning behind ofrendas, cempasúchil, and calacas

• Ofrenda (altar): A table or multi-tiered installation that welcomes the spirits of the departed with photos, candles, water, pan de muerto, salt, and items the person loved. Copal incense and papel picado are common adornments.

• Cempasúchil (marigold): Its scent and vibrant color are believed to guide souls; petals often form pathways leading to the altar.

• Calacas and Catrinas: Skeleton imagery and elegant skull figures symbolize acceptance of death, often rendered with humor and artistry rather than fear.

How to participate with care

• Ask before placing items on community altars; some are curated and cannot accept perishables.

• Be mindful with photos during prayer, dance, or blessing moments; when in doubt, observe rather than record.

• Honor the space: Pack out trash, keep noise down during readings and names-remembrance segments, and follow the lead of organizers and families.

Key dates and planning guide

• Oct 31: Many U.S. cities begin evening ofrenda openings and plaza concerts.

• Nov 1 (Día de los Inocentes/Todos los Santos): Altars often emphasize children and those who died young; expect morning visits to cemeteries and quieter observances.

• Nov 2 (Día de los Muertos/Fieles Difuntos): Main day of remembrance; largest parades, plaza events, and late-evening vigils.

What’s new this year

Organizers are expanding inclusive ofrendas—spaces that honor migrants, victims of violence, LGBTQ+ community members, and animal companions—alongside traditional family altars. More events are scheduling accessible viewing zones, ASL interpretation, and sensory-friendly hours to ensure broader participation. Drone or light shows are appearing at select venues, but candles, flowers, and community storytelling remain the heart of the celebration.

Día de los Muertos 2025 is in full bloom. Whether you join the crowds along Reforma, wander a downtown Los Angeles ofrenda trail, or visit a neighborhood plaza closer to home, the essence is the same: gather, remember, and celebrate the lives of those who came before—guided by marigold light back to the places they loved.