The Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City has become one of the country’s most representative and eagerly awaited events.
In 2024 alone, 1.3 million spectators gathered to contemplate the striking monumental skulls, more than 600 catrinas and catrines, giant axolotls, 70 contingents, and allegorical floats that paraded through the streets and avenues of the heart of the capital.
2025 will mark the tenth edition of a parade that combines art, history, and folklore in a visual spectacle that has captivated many.
What is the origin of the Day of the Dead Parade?
Although today it is a symbol of the season, the Day of the Dead Parade has a more recent origin.
The first edition was in 2016, inspired by the iconic opening scene of the James Bond film “Spectre” (2015), filmed precisely in the Historic Center.
The sequence, where dozens of catrinas and calaveras paraded through the city streets, sparked such international curiosity that authorities decided to make it a reality.
Thus was born an event that, year after year, consolidates itself as one of Mexico’s most important cultural expressions, attracting visitors from all over the world.
This parade is expected to feature floats, giant puppets, monumental catrinas, comparsas, dance, and moving art.
This year, a more ambitious production is expected, with a larger number of participants, special lighting, and live musical performances along the route.
The 2025 Grand Day of the Dead Parade promises more than four hours of music, color, and tradition, with floats, giant puppets, monumental catrinas, comparsas, dance, and moving art.
Each contingent will represent different visions of the Day of the Dead, from the pre-Hispanic worldview to modern reinterpretations of the holiday.
In addition, national and international artists will participate, bringing to life a visual narrative that celebrates Mexico’s heritage, memory, and cultural diversity.
The parade will follow a route from the Lions’ Gate in Chapultepec Park to the Zócalo square in Mexico City.
When will the 2025 Day of the Dead Parade take place?
The parade will take place on Saturday, November 1st, although the start time has not yet been revealed. In 2024, it was at 2:00 PM.
What is the route of the 2025 Grand Day of the Dead Parade?
The route will cover approximately eight kilometers, beginning at the Lions’ Gate in Chapultepec Park.
From there, it will continue along Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Juárez, and 5 de Mayo, ending at the Zócalo square in the capital, where a large gathering of attendees is expected.
The estimated duration is between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, depending on the pace of the groups and the flow of people.
It is recommended to wear a costume when attending the Day of the Dead parade to fully enjoy the experience.
What is the theme of the Day of the Dead Parade in 2025?
The theme of the great Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City in 2025 is titled “The Art of Drag and Lucha Libre,” two cultural expressions deeply rooted in our country.
Of course, traditional concepts such as the trip to Mictlán and the universal Catrina, with stage performances that pay tribute to Mexico’s intangible cultural heritage, cannot be missed.
The 2025 Day of the Dead parade promises more than four hours of music, color, and tradition. Photo: Cultura CDMX
Recommendations for a good time at the Day of the Dead Parade
- Arrive early: the best areas to enjoy the parade are the stretch of Paseo de la Reforma, in front of the Angel of Independence, and the area around the Palace of Fine Arts.
- Hydrate and wear comfortable clothing: the route lasts several hours and the streets are usually very crowded.
- Use public transportation: the Chapultepec, Insurgentes, Hidalgo, and Zócalo-Tenochtitlan stations are the closest to the route.
- Dress up: many attendees come dressed as catrinas and skulls, which adds even more color to the experience.
- Instead of an umbrella, bring a raincoat.
This year, 2025 marks the tenth edition of the Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade.
The 2025 Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City will once again be an explosion of color, tradition, and Mexican pride. A must-see for those who love this holiday and want to experience it in the heart of the capital.
Source: El Universal
