Find out what it's like to be inside the grandiose skull maks parade celebrating Day of the Dead in Merida Mexico. Participating in the Mexican tradition of Dia de Los Muertos is one of the best things to do in Mexico. #travel #Mexico Mexican celebration of Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a unique event. Once a year Mexicans welcome spirits of their lost loved ones back to the earth for a day.

The most impressive part of this tradition is a parade with hundreds of people dressed in skull masks.

Scroll down to see the photo story of what’s it’s like to experience Day of the Dead parade in Mexico!

And if you are thinking to participate yourself, choose your quick Dia de Los Muertos Mask HERE or learn how to draw it yourself!

Everything starts with a preparation for the Day of the Dead parade…

Day of the Dead skull masks — **People of Merida helping each other to draw their skull masks for the parade**

Putting on the Day of the Dead make up — **Over the years locals have become so skilled in their Day of the Dead makeup, that they can even earn some extra pesos before the parade.**

The Day of the Dead altar in Merida, Mexico — **While some are getting their parade make up done, others are working to build altars for the spirits of their loved ones.**

Eating Egg Cake at the Day of the Dead parade in Merida, Mexico — **Walking to the parade we could not pass the locals selling their homemade sweets at their doorsteps without trying some. Eating an egg cake here. Deeeliiissshhhh!**

The Day of the Dead decorations

The Day of the Dead Decoration in Merida, Mexico — **Everything is decorated starting from streets, parks and ending to people’s homes.**

The Day of the Dead celebration in Merida, Mexico — **The Day of the Dead celebration is also a good time to see friends you haven’t met for a while.**

The Day of the Dead outfit — **While some are chatting and catching up, others are proudly showing their beautiful dresses.**

The Day of the Dead police costume — **Everybody fits in the celebration. Even while on a duty.**

Children costume for the Day of the Dead — **Not everyone wears traditional outfits. 🙂**

The Day of the Dead bride costume — **This bride will not show off her costume until it’s gonna be designed to perfection.**

Time to go to The Day of the Dead parade

The Day of the Dead costumes — **Two hours until the Day of the Dead parade. Must get to the cemetery where it all begins early.**

Day of the Dead Parade Merida Mexico — **While some are still on the way, others are ready to start.**

The Day of the Dead masks — **Guests of Merida are also ready for the parade!**

Child mask for the Day of the Dead parade — **Somebody really can’t wait for the start of the parade.**

The Day of the Dead Children Masks — **Always better to be in the group.**

The Day of the Dead skull mask — **Chillin before the parade.**

The Day of the Dad in Merida, Mexico — **Lots of pics with new friends are happening here.**

Day of the Dead in Merida, Mexico — **Watching the nightly sky and being romantic on the Day of the Dead.**

The Day of the Dead in Merida, Mexico — **As soon as the twilight comes, cemetery lights up in beautiful colors.**

The Day of the Dead Parade STARTS!!!

The Day of the Dead parade in Merida, Mexico — **The waiting has ended and the parade finally starts! This couple is the grand openers.**

The Day of the Dead parade in Meride, Mexico — **Some are covered with colorful scarves.**

The Day of the Dead decorations — After the parade, it’s time for the real celebration. Everyone walks around admiring the altars for the spirits, that are decorated with photos of deceased ones. In this case, though they decorated using the actual deceased one.

The Day of the Dead — **There are even thematic cocktails.**

Awesome, isn’t it?

Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos is a colorful and festive occasion that honors deceased family members and celebrates their lives. Already historically since the Aztecs times mourning of the dead was considered disrespectful.

Death was the next phase of life’s long continuum and deceased ones were kept alive in everyone’s memories. Then once a year these souls return to earth for a day to visit their families.

This belief is still alive in Mexico nowadays. Therefore each year from November 1st to November 2nd the celebration takes place all over the country, to welcome spirits of deceased loved ones back to earth.

A day before Dia de Los Muertos, October 31 is a preparation for the upcoming celebration and also a Halloween celebration. Halloween is not the same thing as The Day of the Dead though. Read more about it here.

Also if you plan to join the Day of the Dead celebration, here’s a quick&easy skull mask tutorial to try it yourself. It’s awesome for Halloween as well!

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8 comments

Lynne Nieman
November 4, 2017

Great photos that really capture the essence of this celebration. I’ve always been very intrigued by this holiday. Thanks for a great post!
Amy Poulton - Page Traveller
November 4, 2017

Yay! I’m in Merida right now actually, but was in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead celebrations. Love this post! The festival was incredible, right? So glad I had a chance to see it.
Kashlee Kucheran
November 4, 2017

Wow you captured some amazing shots here! I love how you showed how everyone gets ready as well!
Becci Abroad
November 4, 2017

Beautiful photos on Día de los Muertos! I really really want to visit Mexico next year to experience it – and of course, to take photos 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience!
Christina
November 4, 2017

These photos are seriously incredible. You’ve captured the event so much better than any article I’ve seen on it. Amazing job! Would love to see this for myself someday 🙂
John
November 4, 2017

I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico during this celebration Looks so interesting. I have to finally do it next year! 🙂
Erica
November 4, 2017

Gorgeous shots! I would love to one day experience Día de los Muertos in Mexico!
1. THE TRAVEL LEAF
  November 4, 2017
  
  Hi Erica! ?
  Thanks for the comment! This even is a bucket list worthy one for sure! I hope you get to expereince it next year in the amazing Mexico ?
  Anete