Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Death is seen as an uncomfortable fact of life for many, and a downright frightening concept for others. But for those who observe Día de los Muertos, it’s something to be celebrated—with skeletons and sugar skulls, music and dancing, and altars full of photos, food, and plenty of cempasúchil (marigolds).

Rooted in ancient Aztec and Nahua customs, this annual two-day celebration honors the lives of loved ones who’ve gone before us. While pre-Columbian peoples honored the dead several times a year, colonialism pushed the festivities into November to coincide with All Saint’s Day, on the heels of our own Halloween (though it shouldn’t be equated with the jack-o-lantern–laden holiday). Thousands of years since its original iteration, Día de los Muertos continues to be observed throughout Mexico and other parts of Latin America.

If a flight to Oaxaca or the Distrito Federal isn’t in the cards, you’ll be happy to know that plenty of Día de los Muertos festivities happen right here in the States. For those who have never celebrated, read up a bit on the holiday’s symbolism and meaning first, and then find a local Latino-run event like these to celebrate la muerte in community.

RELATED: 8 amazing places to celebrate your Latino heritage

Los Angeles, CA

It’s not hard to find Día de los Muertos festivities happening in Los Angeles from mid-October onward. The decades-long celebrations downtown on Olvera Street continue this year, with a community altar, novenario processions (candlelight processions traditionally held nightly for nine evenings leading up to November 1), theatrical performances, and even a 5K! You can find additional celebrations happening in nearby Grand Park (with community altars and art installations going up starting October 22), at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (featuring cultural performances, art exhibitions, altars, children’s activities and more), the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, as well as along Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.

Find a great hotel in downtown Los Angeles here.

San Antonio, TX

Not to be outdone, the city of San Antonio also comes alive for Día de los Muertos. The 9th Annual Muertos Fest will be taking place again this year at Downtown’s Hemisfair, featuring live music and poetry, altars and art vendors, processions, and workshops for making things like papel picado and more to help you get your own ofrenda (that is, altar) ready. If that’s not enough, San Antonio is also home to the Day of the Dead River Parade—an absolutely magical evening event with colorful, glowing floats reminiscent of Mexico City’s Trajinera boats of Xochimilco that will leave you speechless.

Book a room close to action in San Antonio here. 

Fort Lauderdale, FL

South Florida is home to a massive Latinx diaspora, so it’s no wonder they’re also home to one of the most impressive Día de los Muertos celebrations in the nation. The annual Florida Day of the Dead Celebration boasts everything from mariachis and folkloric dancers, to make-up and craft booths, art exhibitions, and of course a massive parade that includes even grander skeleton puppets. Those who want to take part in the procession are invited to attend skeleton puppetry workshops in the days prior to the big November 2 event.

Check out deals on Fort Lauderdale hotels here.

Chicago, IL

Now in its 35th year, Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition as well as their accompanying event, Día de Los Muertos Xicágo. The former runs through December while the latter takes place on October 30th, and features a massive celebration including community-made ofrendas, art activities, live music, and more. There are also other Día events in the Windy City, including the 6th Annual Recorrido de Ofrendas, part of the Annual Little Village Arts Fest, as well as the Baile de Calaveras hosted by The Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC) of Mujeres Latinas en Accion.

Browse dozens of great Chicago hotels here.

Tucson, AZ

While the All Souls Procession Weekend in Tucson doesn’t solely revolve around Día de los Muertos, the Día-inspired event features many aspects of a traditional celebration. The event dates back to 1990, and features an immense procession with large-scale skeleton puppets, art, music, dance performances, and more activity that stretches out for 2 miles. The event has seen around 150,000 marchers in previous years. There’s also the All Souls Mausoleum, with a community altar and a burning of offerings at the end of the weekend. Those who want to get involved can attend one of the many puppet and mask-making classes in the months prior.

Book the perfect Tucson hotel here.  

 

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.