The Festival of Souls (Festival de las Ánimas) has returned to Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo, bringing vibrant celebrations and heartfelt tributes to the dead in one of Mexico’s most picturesque Pueblos Mágicos. Held from October 31 to November 2, 2025, the festival honors Día de Muertos with a rich blend of cultural, artistic, and spiritual activities that draw locals and tourists alike.
The cobblestone streets of Huasca are transformed into a living canvas of color and memory. Visitors can experience parades of allegorical floats, traditional altars, candlelit processions, and live music that echo through the town’s colonial architecture. Local artisans showcase their crafts, while food vendors offer seasonal delicacies like pan de muerto, tamales, and atole.
One of the festival’s highlights is the “Night of the Souls” procession, where participants dressed as skeletons and spirits walk through the town carrying candles and marigolds, symbolizing the journey of the dead back to the world of the living. The event also features storytelling sessions, face painting, and workshops on ancestral customs.
Organized by the Municipal Government of Huasca de Ocampo, the festival aims to preserve indigenous traditions while fostering community pride. It also serves as a major economic boost for local businesses, with hotels and restaurants reporting full bookings during the celebration.
As families gather to remember their loved ones, the Festival of Souls offers a powerful reminder of Mexico’s enduring connection to its past—and the beauty of honoring life through death.
Sources: Festival de las Ánimas – Escapadas / El Universal – Día de Muertos en Huasca
