Cultural Events
The Day of the Dead
Experience 1
Marigold Field Experience Tour in Oaxaca: The Day of the Dead.
(A pre-Hispanic Heritage)
Immerse yourself in one of Oaxaca’s most cherished ancestral traditions: Day of the Dead. This unique cultural celebration is vibrant, meaningful, and full of life, reflecting the deep connection between the living and those who have passed away. Celebrated from October 30th through November 2nd, Day of the Dead is a time when Oaxacan families honor and remember their loved ones.
According to tradition, the souls of the deceased return to visit the world of the living and reunite with their families. To welcome them, families create beautiful altars filled with offerings, flowers, food, candles, and personal items, while carrying out rituals that help guide the souls on their journey to Mictlán, the underworld in ancient Mesoamerican belief.
During these days, Oaxaca transforms into a colorful and festive destination. Streets, homes, cemeteries, and public spaces are adorned with decorations, candles, and thousands of cempasúchil (marigold) flowers. Visiting a marigold field offers a unique opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of this celebration, connect with local traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of one of Mexico’s most iconic cultural expressions.
Duration Time: 7 hrs. approximately
Date: October 31st 2026
Price: MX $1,200 each/p
This experience will include the following activities:
- Round-trip transportation with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb.
- Visit a beautiful cempasúchil (marigold) flower field, one of the most iconic symbols of Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebrations.
- Enjoy breathtaking views and take as many photos as you’d like.
- Learn the traditional way to harvest cempasúchil flowers and discover their significance in Day of the Dead traditions.
- Visit a local Oaxacan family home and participate in the decoration of an authentic Day of the Dead altar.
- Discover the meaning behind the offerings and the symbolism of each element placed on the altar.
- Learn about the traditional foods that are prepared and offered to honor loved ones.
- Explore the history, origins, and cultural importance of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
- Enjoy a homemade traditional meal with the host family.
- Taste delicious (bread of the dead) pan de muerto and other seasonal Oaxacan treats.
- Bilingual explanations available in English and Spanish.
Experience 2
Cemetery Visit Experience Tour: The Day of the Dead
The cemetery visit is one of the most meaningful traditions of Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebrations and offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Rather than being a somber occasion, this celebration reflects the Oaxacan belief that death is a natural part of life and should be remembered with love, music, and joy. During this experience, you will visit the historic Xoxocotlán Cemetery, where local families gather to honor and remember their loved ones. Surrounded by candlelight, marigold flowers, music, and heartfelt traditions, you will witness one of the most authentic and moving expressions of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
Duration Time: 5 hrs. approximately
Date: October 31st 2026
Price: MX $700 each/p
This experience will include the following activities:
- Round trip transportation. (Hotel or Airbnb pickup)
- Round-trip transportation with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb.
- Visit the famous Xoxocotlán Cemetery, one of the most iconic Day of the Dead sites in Oaxaca.
- Witness how local families honor and celebrate the memory of their loved ones through this unique and meaningful tradition.
- Experience the magical atmosphere of the celebration and feel immersed in one of Oaxaca’s most cherished cultural events.
- Enjoy a guided walking tour through the cemetery, illuminated by thousands of candles and vibrant floral arrangements.
- Learn about the history, symbolism, and traditions of Day of the Dead from a local perspective.
- Discover the cultural significance of this celebration and its importance to Oaxacan families and communities.
- Bilingual explanations available in English and Spanish.
Experience 3
Cooking Class in Oaxaca City: Traditional and Ancestral Culinary Methods
Immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s rich culinary traditions and experience firsthand the authenticity of preparing some of the region’s most beloved traditional dishes. This interactive cooking class offers much more than a cooking lesson—it is a cultural experience that connects you with the flavors, techniques, and heritage of Oaxaca.
Led by a traditional Oaxacan cook, you will learn authentic family recipes passed down through generations. She will guide you step by step, sharing traditional cooking methods, local ingredients, and culinary secrets that make Oaxacan cuisine one of the most celebrated in Mexico.
During the class, you will also discover ancestral cooking techniques and learn how to use traditional artisanal tools and equipment that have been part of Oaxacan kitchens for centuries. The experience takes place in a welcoming Oaxacan family home, providing a unique opportunity to learn about local customs, daily life, and the warm hospitality that defines Oaxaca.
Whether you are a food enthusiast or simply curious about Mexican culture, this experience offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of authentic Oaxacan cuisine.
Duration Time: 4 hrs. approximately
Date: Book by WhatsApp
Price: MX $1,400 each/p
This cooking class includes the following activities:
- Pickup and drop-off from the designated meeting point.
- Visit a local market or supermarket alongside your traditional cook to select the freshest ingredients for your meal.
- Learn about local products, ingredients, and the role they play in Oaxacan cuisine.
- Discover the history, flavors, and preparation of the traditional dish you will be making.
- Explore a variety of native herbs, spices, and seasonings, and learn how they are used in Oaxacan cooking.
- Learn about the traditional stone grinding tools (metate and molcajete) that have been used for generations to prepare authentic Mexican dishes.
- Prepare your own traditional Oaxacan meal under the guidance of an experienced local cook.
- Enjoy a tasting of mezcal, Oaxaca’s iconic spirit, and learn about its production, characteristics, and traditional pairings.
- Savor the delicious meal you have prepared yourself.
- Bilingual explanations available in English and Spanish.
- Start time 9:15 AM or 3:15 PM
Manu You´ll Prapare
During this hands-on cooking experience, you will prepare a complete traditional Oaxacan meal from scratch, using authentic ingredients and ancestral cooking techniques.
Appetizer
- Empanadas de flor de calabaza con quesillo (squash blossom empanadas filled with traditional Oaxacan string chese.)
- Fresh homemade salsa roja
- One main dish with mole
- One dessert
Main Course
- A traditional Oaxacan mole dish, prepared following authentic local recipes and techniques.
Dessert
- A traditional homemade Oaxacan dessert.
Choose One Traditional Flavored Water (Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Tamarindo (tamarind-flavored water)
- Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus-infused water)
- Agua de Horchata (sweet rice and cinnamon drink)
Experience 4
Oaxaca City Tour: Explore the City of Cultures
Explore the historic heart of Oaxaca on a guided walking tour through its most iconic landmarks, colonial architecture, and culturally significant sites.
Duration Time: 4 hrs. approximately
Date: Book by WhatsApp
Price: MX $600 each/p
What You´ll Experience:
- Meet at the meeting point
- Meet your guide at the designated meeting point in Oaxaca’s Historic Center.
- Stroll through the beautiful streets of Oaxaca’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit some of the city’s most important historical buildings and learn about their role in Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage.
- Discover fascinating stories, local traditions, and historical events that have shaped the city over the centuries.
- Visit three of Oaxaca’s most remarkable churches and learn about their architecture, history, religious significance, and artistic treasures.
- Gain a deeper understanding of Oaxaca’s past, from pre-Hispanic influences to the colonial era and modern-day traditions.
- Enjoy recommendations for local food, markets, and hidden gems along the way.
- Stop at a traditional chocolate factory and enjoy samples of different chocolate varieties while learning about Oaxaca’s deep connection to cacao.
- Bilingual explanations available in English and Spanish.
Why choose Mezcal Tour Experience.
If you’re ready to discover another side of Oaxaca, join us as we explore some of the region’s most magical places and immerse yourselves in its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable traditions.
The history, cuisine, architecture, and vibrant traditions are just a few of the reasons why visitors fall in love with Oaxaca. Our local guides are passionate about sharing their culture and possess extensive knowledge of Oaxaca’s history, heritage, and most significant landmarks.
At Mezcal Tour Experience Oaxaca, we offer authentic cultural immersion experiences designed to connect you with the true spirit of Oaxaca. From hands-on cultural activities and educational tours to unique excursions and local encounters, our experiences provide a deeper understanding of the region’s rich traditions, history, gastronomy, and way of life.
