Day of the Dead Season, late October – November 2

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is San Miguel's biggest fall celebration, and it lasts much longer than two days. Altars start appearing around town around October 26, and the city is busiest from October 30 through November 2. Halloween (October 31) is celebrated here too, but it is a separate holiday.

2026 dates at a glance:

• Public altars (ofrendas) around town: about October 26 – November 2
• La Calaca Festival: October 30 – November 2, Parque Juárez and Centro
• Free city program in the Jardín: October 31 (5pm–midnight), November 1 and 2 (9am–midnight)
• Ofrenda exhibition in the Jardín: November 1
• Catrinas Parade from Rancho Los Labradores: traditionally November 1
• Official Catrinas Parade (Desfile de Muertos y Catrinas): November 2, traditionally around 6pm, from El Cardo to the Jardín

Exact times for city events are announced by the municipality in late October, so double-check before you head out.

November 1, Day of the Dead (Part 1)

Also known as All Saints Day (Todos los Santos), this day honors children who have died. The main cemetery, the Panteón de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (just behind Ancha San Antonio and after Cinco de Mayo), begins to fill up in the afternoon, with flower and food vendors crowding the surrounding area. By evening the line to get in will be hours long, so plan accordingly.

Inside, families will set up camp for a few hours or the whole night, picnicking and remembering their loved ones, both young and old, who have passed. Graves are covered in marigolds (cempasúchil), candles and food, and you might never see death in quite the same way again. Visitors are welcome, but remember this is a place of remembrance: keep your voice down and ask before photographing families.

As if there wasn't enough going on at the cemetery, you'll want to take a walk to the Jardín as well. The square is decorated with incredibly intricate displays of natural artwork – images honoring the dead made entirely of seeds, leaves and flowers – and the city hosts free dance, music and theater performances throughout the day.

Be on the lookout for Day of the Dead altars, celebrations and supplies for your own home altar beginning at least a week before Nov. 1. Everything you need, from papel picado (those colorful squares of cut paper) to pan de muerto (the official bread of this holiday) and sugar skulls, can be found at a special market located next to the Plaza Cívica (about half way up Mesones).

November 2, Day of the Dead (Part 2)

Celebrations continue today, honoring adults who have died. It's a good time to walk around town and see the public altars; start at the Jardín and wander toward Parque Juárez and Bellas Artes, and don't forget to look inside hotels, restaurants, galleries and the library.

In the evening comes the highlight: the official Catrinas Parade, where the walking dead are dressed to the nines for the party in their honor. It traditionally leaves El Cardo around 6pm and ends in the Jardín. Arrive early for a good spot. If you'd like your own catrina face paint, book a makeup artist in advance, as they are fully booked from October 31 to November 2.

To watch two short videos of some iconic images of this holiday here in San Miguel, go here and here.

La Calaca Festival, October 30 – November 2

A community arts festival that blends Day of the Dead tradition with contemporary art, installations, workshops and processions, centered on Parque Juárez and the historic center. The program changes from year to year, so check the festival's latest schedule in late October.

International Festival of Jazz and Blues, mid November (November 11–15, 2026)

Since its inception in 1994, the International Festival of Jazz and Blues has grown to include musical performances, student workshops and exhibitions. Evening concerts are held at the Teatro Ángela Peralta and the Instituto Allende.

Over the years the festival has hosted greats such as the Joey Calderazzo Trio, Donald Edwards, Alfred Thompson, and King Solomon Hicks, as well as local favorites.

November 20, Revolution Day (observed the third Monday of November; November 16 in 2026)

This official holiday marks the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910 (think Pancho Villa), in which Francisco I. Madero called for a national uprising against General Porfirio Díaz, who had been the dictator of Mexico for 30 years. War broke out, and although fighting continued until 1920, the Constitution which is in effect today was a result of this revolution. Government offices, banks and schools close on the observed Monday, and there is usually a parade. For more details about this holiday, go here.