All Souls' Day *

Mexico observes All Souls’ Day on 2 November each year. This Roman Catholic holiday is more fervently celebrated in Mexico than either All Saints’ Day on 1 November or Halloween on 31 October. In 2026, All Souls' Day falls on Monday 2 November. The holiday will be on Tuesday 2 November in 2027. Note: All Souls’ Day is not an official national holiday, but is widely observed throughout Mexico. All Souls’ Day is also known simply as “the Day of the Dead”. It’s a day to remember all the dearly departed: friends, relatives, and ancient ancestors. It’s a time when Catholics traditionally pray for the dead and visit the graves of deceased relatives in cemeteries all over Mexico. Grave sites are adorned with flowers, wreaths, lit candles, and coloured-paper streamers. At home, special altars may be put up that offer food, drink, candy, and more to deceased relatives who may wish to visit that night. The names of the departed and, sometimes, their pictures, are made part of the “altar”. Also, candy and toys in the shape of skulls, coffins, and all symbols of death and the dead are used to decorate the home, and the family gathers to feast and fellowship till the day has passed.