Day of the Dead in Aguascalientes

For more than 20 years, the heart of the capital city has echoed with the happy din of celebration from the end of October to the beginning of November when its streets fill with hundreds of people with one goal in mind: celebrating La Catrina, that skeletal lady of lore brought to life by the imagination of local printmaker José Guadalupe Posada. 

In addition to the traditional tours through Aguascalientes’ downtown and cemeteries, altars are on display and delightful calavera rhymes are written. The festival has grown over time to include painting, print, and photography exhibitions; dance presentations; concerts; and sporting events. Some of these events are held on Isla San Marcos.   

The highlight of the event is the Desfile de las Calaveras, in which hundreds of people wearing masks or painted faces watch as floats and giant skulls parade. The entire city takes part in the lively celebration. 

Handicrafts, parades, concerts, stage shows, cuisine, workshops, and more are part of the events that revolve around this festival that has made Aguascalientes one of the most visited destinations during the days honoring the dead.