Día de Muertos in Los Cabos
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festive, mystical celebration where the veil between worlds grows thin, allowing souls of the departed to return and dance once more among the living. Every year, on November 1 and 2, the Baja Peninsula comes alive in memory of the dead. Here in Los Cabos, altars glow with candlelight, marigold petals guide wandering spirits and the air hums with whispers of memory and love.
Día de Muertos Catrinas, the iconic, elegantly dressed skeleton figures that embody México’s unique perspective on life and death, are an integral part of this meaningful holiday and can be found all over the region. Far from a somber occasion, Día de Muertos is a joyful reunion between the living and the dead. Here are our recommendations for how to celebrate here in Los Cabos.
Where to Experience Catrinas & Day of the Dead Events in Los Cabos
You’ll find colorful Catrinas and fascinating festivities por todos lados. Centros históricos and opulent resorts alike showcase the depth of this holiday’s heritage through events, contests, parades and more.
The San José del Cabo Art District
Renowned for its dynamic year-round arts and culture scene, the Centro Histórico of San José del Cabo becomes an open-air exhibition during the holiday. The main plaza features grand Catrinas, vibrant displays of papel picado (perforated paper banners), and extravagant ofrendas (altars).
Cabo San Lucas Centro and Marina
The ever-lively Marina and adjacent Centro host Catrina exhibits and nightly events. Here, you’ll encounter locals dressed in meticulously festive attire, complete with intricate face paint and feathered hats. In addition, on Sunday November 1, Los Cabos’ Day of the Dead Parade revolves around Centro and Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas, while the Marina presents “Altares en el Mar,” an otherworldly procession where boats glide through candlelight and cempasúchil.
Día de Muertos Altar Competition
On November 02, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, the 10th annual Altar Competition will take place at Flora Farms, honoring traditions while supporting local charities. Enjoy live music, folkloric performances, farm-to-table cuisine and beyond.
Festival de La Catrina
This can’t-miss multi-day celebration in San José del Cabo features specialized competitions for the best hand-crafted Catrina designs, traditional dance displays and local culinary tastings.
Día de Muertos at Acre
On November 2, Acre presents an evening inspired by one of Mexico’s most meaningful traditions. Throughout the property, guests will encounter intricate Día de Muertos décor and a traditional ofrenda, while the resident shaman welcomes visitors and helps set the tone for the celebration. Seasonal culinary specialties, including Pan de Muerto and rich hot chocolate, complement the restaurant’s regular à la carte offerings. Live music fills the evening with festive energy, and a Catrina Contest invites guests to showcase their most creative interpretations of this beloved Día de Muertos icon.
On-Premise Celebrations at Hotels
Want to celebrate from the comfort of your own hotel? Consider booking a Día de Muertos stay at Hilton Los Cabos, Grand Velas Los Cabos, Mar del Cabo, One & Only Palmilla, ME Cabo, Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos or The Cape, a Thompson Hotel. Each of these luxury properties presents their own celebration, featuring parades, live mariachi, mixology experiences, traditional altars and cultural programming.
At Grand Velas Los Cabos and Mar del Cabo, the celebration takes on a particularly enchanting atmosphere during “Mar de Ánimas: Between Light and Memories,” a tribute inspired by remembrance, tradition and the glow of candlelight reflected across the Pacific.
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos welcomes guests with Catrinas Night, an evening dedicated to creativity and tradition featuring a lively Catrina contest that celebrates one of Día de Muertos’ most recognizable symbols.
The Cape marks the occasion with a special brunch at The Ledge, bringing together beloved Mexican flavors such as mole, tamales and pan de muerto alongside live music, handcrafted cocktails and iconic views of El Arco.
(1) Celebrations on the beach at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa, (2) La Palapa Restaurant at Esperanza, Auberge Collection, (3) La Palapa Restaurant at Esperanza, Auberge Collection, (4) EsperanzARTE, at Esperanza Auberge Collection, (5) Traditional Catrinas at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa, (6) EsperanzARTE, at Esperanza Auberge Collection
The striking imagery of Día de Muertos Catrinas dates back to 1910, originating from a political cartoon by artist José Guadalupe Posada. The Catrina serves as a reminder that death is the ultimate equalizer, treating everyone with the same elegance regardless of wealth or status.
Día de Muertos also offers striking sensory symbolism through multi-tiered ofrendas (altars) that feature photographs, personal belongings of the departed, incense and more. Their purpose? To honor the deceased and to welcome them back home, providing them with the things they once loved in life. Ofrendas also typically include the following essential components:
• Cempasúchil (marigold): A vivid orange flower whose bright color and strong scent help guide souls from the afterlife back to their homes.
• Pan de Muerto: A sweet, sugar-dusted bread topped with bone-shaped dough, representing the physical body of the departed.
• Calaveras (sugar skulls): Brightly decorated, personalized confections that convey the sweetness of life and the individuality of each soul.
• Candles and Water: Elements meant to provide light for the journey and quench the thirst of traveling souls.
In Los Cabos, the profound cultural traditions of Día de Muertos blend ancient pre-Hispanic customs with contemporary creativity, offering a window into the warmth and depth of authentic Mexican lifestyle and culture.
Each year, the region transforms into a gallery of remembrance that honors those who have passed on, while warmly welcoming visitors to share in its present beauty. Look beyond the beaches (as beautiful as they are) and immerse yourself in a living heritage where love never fades.