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On Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2, Mexico City will celebrate the Day of the Dead, an annual celebration that showcases colorful altars and offerings as well as festive events throughout the City to honor deceased friends and relatives. From haunted boat rides in Xochimilco to experience the legend of La Llorona to visiting the dead altars at Mixquic, or take a look to the light-show at Coyoacán or either more ofrendas and special contests at Museo Dolores Olmedo, visitors can immerse themselves in a Mexican tradition that dates back 3,000 years. With more than 12.5 million visitors every year, Mexico City is one of the largest and most fascinating cities in the world.  Among its many attractions include four UNESCO World Heritage sites, 175 museums, charming neighborhoods, colorful street markets and bazaars, a wide-range of hotels & spas, a lively night scene, state-of-the-art meeting venues, and so much more.

Day of the Dead was created to pay tribute to Mictecacihuatl or the Lady of the Dead. Today, this holiday is the most celebrated in the country when people come together to remember their friends and relatives who have passed away. Families also visit the graves of the deceased, decorating their tombstones with altars and bringing their favorite foods and drinks for them. Among the most traditional foods presented at the altars are pan de muerto -baked sweet bread with a bone-shaped surface-, sugar and chocolate skulls and esquites -corn kernels mixed with mayonnaise, chili powder and lemon juice.

Travelers who visit Mexico City during this weekend will find many options to experience this fascinating tradition including:

●     A trip to Xochimilco, an area in the South of Mexico City, known for its mystical network of canals that flow through the chinampas, or floating island gardens. From October 18 – November 24, visitors can enjoy a ride aboard one of the trajineras, which are colorful gondola-like boats, to see a performance about the legend of La Llorona or “the crying mother”. The show tells the story about a mother who drowned her children and then becomes deeply obsessed with guilt at the point of committing suicide, so, since then, she appears in spirit at the canals of Xochimilco, crying: “ay, mis hijos…”. For the excursion, tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

●     A visit to neighborhood of Mixquic, where people showcase at the graveyards their original ofrenda (offerings) creations, indulge in traditional Mexican tequila and get into the spirit. The event takes place October 31 – November 3.

●     This year, the Dolores Olmedo Museum, the original hacienda of the famed Mexican art-collector, will showcase Paris themed Day of the Dead décor and activities with artistically designed altars, live music performances and a fashion show. The showcase will be open from October 24 to December 29. For more information visit:www.museodoloresolmedo.org.mx.

●     For those seeking a unique gastronomic experience, Dulceria de Celaya, one of the oldest candy stores in the city, is a must-visit. With two locations in the city, the stores offer delicious candy creations such as almond marzipans and clay crafts resembling bones. Miniature candy graveyards are also created demonstrating true artisanal craftsmanship. Many of these delights can also be found in outdoor markets found throughout the City.

●     Coyoacan, a neighborhood located in the south area of Mexico City, is another fantastic option to explore. Day of the Dead displays can be seen all over the neighborhood including a fantastic light-show projected over San Juan Bautista Church. For more information visit: http://www.coyoacan.df.gob.mx

●     At the Museo de Arte Popular children can join in on the festivities by making their own cardboard skulls in one of the daily workshops taking place throughout the month. For more information visit: http://www.map.df.gob.mx/