About Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead — is celebrated on November 1 and 2, when Mexican families welcome the souls of departed loved ones home. The countdown above targets November 2, the main day honoring deceased adults; November 1 (Día de los Inocentes) remembers children.
Far from somber, it is one of the world's most beautiful festivals: home altars (ofrendas) piled with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, pan de muerto and the favorite foods of the departed; cemetery vigils glowing through the night; and calavera face painting everywhere. UNESCO lists the tradition as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Mexico City's grand parade now draws millions.
Because the dates are fixed to November 1 and 2 every year — the days after Halloween, when marketplaces overflow with marigolds and sugar skulls — this countdown never goes out of date: the moment the festival passes it rolls straight on to next year. Add it to your own page to keep the Day of the Dead in view, or browse more festival countdowns from around the world.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Monday, November 2, 2026next |
| 2027 | Tuesday, November 2, 2027 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 2, 2028 |
| 2029 | Friday, November 2, 2029 |
| 2030 | Saturday, November 2, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Día de los Muertos?
November 1–2 every year — November 1 for children's souls, November 2 for adults.
Why is Día de los Muertos celebrated?
It is a joyful remembrance of departed loved ones, blending Indigenous Mesoamerican beliefs with Catholic All Saints' and All Souls' Days to welcome the souls of the dead back home.
How is Día de los Muertos celebrated?
Families build ofrendas, decorate graves with marigolds and candles, hold cemetery vigils, share pan de muerto and favorite foods, and paint calavera (skull) faces; Mexico City stages a huge parade.
Is it "Mexican Halloween"?
No — despite the timing, it is a distinct tradition of joyfully welcoming deceased loved ones back, rooted in Aztec and Catholic heritage.
What is an ofrenda?
A home altar decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, sugar skulls and the favorite food and drink of departed family members.