Overview
- Tradition holds that Oct. 30 is dedicated to the ‘almas olvidadas,’ honored with simple, inclusive ofrendas featuring candles, water, salt, fruit and pan de muerto.
- Oct. 31 focuses on children who died without baptism, with ‘angelitos’ altars using white flowers, toys and mild foods in keeping with their innocence.
- INPI highlights core altar elements—cempasúchil, velas, agua, sal, copal, pan de muerto and photographs—and altars are set from Oct. 31 to receive souls Nov. 1–2.
- Mexico City’s program includes Oct. 30 ‘rodadas del terror,’ a Zócalo mega dance class (makeup from 14:00, class at 17:00), and the main parade on Nov. 1 at 14:00 from Chapultepec to the Zócalo, plus a monumental ofrenda and UNAM’s Megaofrenda (Oct. 31–Nov. 2, 11:00–21:00).
- Panteón Xoco operates Oct. 31–Nov. 2 from 7:00 to 23:00 with added lighting and staffing, and guidance for ‘pedir calaverita’ points to Nov. 1 as the customary date, with popular CDMX areas including Coyoacán, Roma, Condesa, San Juan de Aragón and Madero.