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4h ago

Día de los Muertos Begins With Tourism Surge in Mexico and Shifted U.S. Celebrations

Fears of immigration enforcement prompted smaller gatherings in some towns, with advocacy groups highlighting migrant deaths.

Adrián Chavarría and his son Emmanuel pose for a photo at their stand where they sell sugar skulls known as “calaveritas” or little skulls, traditionally added to Day of the Dead altars honoring deceased loved ones, at the Dulces de Ampudia market in Mexico City, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)
Visitors photograph a Day of the Dead altar adorned with sugar skulls known as “calaveritas” or little skulls, at the Casa de Mujeres Artesanas Indígenas in downtown Mexico City, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)
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Women walk past stalls where sugar skulls known as “calaveritas” or little skulls, traditionally added to Day of the Dead altars honoring deceased loved ones, are displayed for sale at the Dulces de Ampudia market in Mexico City, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)

Overview

  • Observances on Nov. 1–2 are underway with ofrendas, marigolds, sugar skulls, pan de muerto, and cemetery visits central to the tradition.
  • Mexico’s tourism ministry projects more than 1.6 million visitors for the holiday, including the Mexico City parade and events in Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro.
  • Major U.S. cities are hosting festivals and altars, including San Francisco’s Mission District procession and community altars, Dallas cultural center events, and first-time celebrations in places like Howell, Michigan.
  • Some local organizers scaled back or canceled large gatherings due to deportation and enforcement fears, with Sonoma opting for an altar lighting instead of its usual festivities.
  • The Border Network for Human Rights is holding a Saturday vigil in El Paso to remember deceased migrants and urge policy changes, citing UN data on 2024 fatalities across the Americas.