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News · MexicoDay of the Dead Parade 2026 in Mexico City: date, time, route and where to watch
The Grand Day of the Dead Parade will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 2:00 p.m., from the Diana Cazadora fountain to the Zócalo. This year it pays tribute to Juan Gabriel, Juan Rulfo, Nellie Campobello and Indio Fernández.
Translated from the original Spanish article. Read in Spanish
News published on October 29, 2026. The situation may have changed since then.
Mexico City is all set for its Grand Day of the Dead Parade, one of the most anticipated events of the year. Admission is free.
Date and time
The parade will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 2:00 p.m. It is organized by the Mexico City Ministry of Culture.
The route
This year it does not start in Chapultepec. The route is:
- Start at the Diana Cazadora roundabout. - Along Paseo de la Reforma. - Then Avenida Juárez and 5 de Mayo street. - Finish at the Zócalo.
There will be street closures along the route. As alternatives, El Financiero suggests Circuito Interior, Eje 1 Norte, Avenida Chapultepec, José María Izazaga or Fray Servando Teresa de Mier.
The tributes
The parade will honor four great Mexican figures: singer Juan Gabriel, writer Juan Rulfo, dancer and writer Nellie Campobello and filmmaker Emilio el Indio Fernández.
According to published information, about 4,000 people, 12 floats and two giant balloons will take part, along with bands, dancers and mojigangas (giant puppets).
This year the monumental altar in the Zócalo features a catrina 32 meters tall.
If you can't go
The parade will be broadcast live on TV and online. Announced channels include Capital 21, Canal 11, Canal 22, Azteca UNO, ViX and the N+ YouTube channel.
Tip: arrive early and use public transportation, because the area fills up quickly.
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What do you like most about the Day of the Dead: the parade, the altars or the pan de muerto?
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Sources (in Spanish)
- Fecha, hora, ruta, homenajeados, transmisión y alternativas viales: El Financiero (29 de octubre de 2026).
- Participantes, organizador y canales: Fox Sports México (24 de octubre de 2026).
- Ruta y contexto: Infobae y El Universal.
Photos are from Wikimedia Commons under free licenses; the author and license are shown under each image.
