Day of the Dead and More: What to Do in Mexico City in November

November is a vibrant month to enjoy Mexico City, where the combination of traditional festivities, pleasant weather, and a rich cultural offering make it an ideal time to explore the Mexican capital. This month stands out for the Day of the Dead celebration, along with a series of artistic events, food fairs, and tourist activities that will allow you to discover the historical and cultural richness of the city. Here we present a complete guide with the best things to do in Mexico City during November.

Day of the Dead Parade

A colorful parade with catrinas, floats, and music that travels along Paseo de la Reforma to the Zócalo.

Monumental Altars

Impressive altars at the Zócalo, UNAM, Dolores Olmedo Museum, and Tlatelolco.

Calacas Fair in Xochimilco

Trajinera rides, altars on chinampas, cultural events, and traditional food.

Night of the Dead in Mixquic

Candles on graves, processions, pre-Hispanic dances, and an authentic experience.

FILIJ

Literary fair for children and youth with workshops, storytelling, and family activities.

FICM in CDMX

Independent film screenings from the Morelia International Film Festival at the National Cinematheque and more.

Jamaica Market and Day of the Dead

A vibrant market full of marigold flowers, crafts, and traditional snacks to celebrate the tradition.

November Jazz Month

November is also Jazz Month in Mexico City. During this month, several festivals and concerts dedicated to jazz are held, featuring both local and international artists. Some of the featured events include:

• Jazz Festival in Polanco: Held at Lincoln Park, in the heart of Polanco, offering free outdoor concerts by jazz bands and soloists.
• Jazzatlán CDMX: One of the city’s most iconic jazz clubs, featuring a special lineup throughout November with intimate performances by renowned jazz musicians.

If you love music, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy talented musicians in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

Pan de Muerto and Sugar Skulls

November is the month when you can enjoy the traditional pan de muerto, a delicious sweet bread sprinkled with sugar and decorated with dough bones. This bread is found in all the bakeries of the city from September through mid-November, and it is one of the most eagerly awaited treats of the season.

If you want to try one of the best pan de muerto in the city, you cannot miss the versions from bakeries such as:

• Rosetta Bakery: In the Roma neighborhood, famous for its pan de muerto filled with cream.
• Maison Belén: Offers a traditional version, perfect to accompany with a pot of spiced coffee.
• El Globo: A classic chain in Mexico that sells a very popular traditional pan de muerto.

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