Curator’s statement
If you’re looking for a destination full of vibrant color, delicious food and rich history, Guanajuato, Mexico, is the place — especially during the Día de Muertos festivities. I got my love for travel from my dad. At 82, he decided it was time to celebrate life in the best way he knows how — by traveling and sharing the experience by taking me and my sisters along to Guanajuato’s vibrant Día de Muertos festivities.
Often called “the most beautiful city in Mexico,” Guanajuato is a place that captures your heart from the moment you arrive. The city’s charming houses cascade down the hillside, painted in every shade imaginable. Guanajuato stands apart from the rest of Mexico with its striking old world architecture, featuring grand, ornate buildings, intricate facades and elegant plazas that give the town a distinctly sophisticated and historical atmosphere. Cafes, bars, street food stalls, markets and art galleries line the streets, making it feel like there’s a festival every day.
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Things to do in Guanajuato
Celebrating life and honoring the past with colorful skull makeup
Día de Muertos in Guanajuato
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is all about coming together to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. It’s a time filled with color, joy and remembrance. Forget any sadness — it's a celebratory party. Ofrendas (offerings or altars) decorated with marigolds, candles, photos and favorite foods of the person being offered are everywhere. Many people dress in traditional Día de Muertos costumes and skull makeup.
What surprised us was the underground celebrations in Guanajuato — yes, underground! The city has this network of tunnels, and during the Día de Muertos festivities, they’re transformed into a lively party scene. You’ll find everything from costume competitions to makeup artists, mezcal shots, BBQs, quirky trinkets and even a horror movie festival! There’s truly something for everyone, and the energy is infectious.
Día de Muertos events
As dusk falls, the grand Día de Muertos parade kicks off, featuring floats, dancers and giant sugar skulls. The Universidad de Guanajuato creates a stunning altar at the foot of its steps, beautifully lit by candles after sundown.
Guanajuato's Universidad de Guanajuato gets involved in the festivities by creating the largest and most stunning altar at the foot of its steps. It’s a beautiful sight, especially after sundown when the candles light up the stairs and you can see the entire city in the background. The entire city takes part in this celebration, and you can’t help but feel the joy and support for those who’ve passed on. There’s no sadness, just a lot of smiles and glasses raised in cheers.
The El Tapete de la Muerte competition features intricate murals made from sawdust, flowers and seeds that stretch across the streets. If you’re there on November 2nd, get up early to see the murals being created before the crowds arrive and the birds start eating the seeds.
Things to do:
Casa Diego Rivera — Explore Rivera’s early works and some contemporary art in the home he was born (just 25 pesos)
Mummy Museum - fascinating but strange at the same time
Places to eat & drink in Guanajuato
Tacos! Tacos! Tacos! Tacos "El Paisa II", Tacos El Chino, Los Huacales, La Vela, Taquería Chela & Chuchita, Enchiladas de Doña Lupe, Tacos Tony, Tacos al vapor el jaguar, Gorditas Doña Martha.
For an exceptional dining experience, be sure to visit Café Mercedes and Comedor Tradicional Guanajuato. These restaurants stand out for their use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that combine authentic Mexican flavors with creative, modern presentations.
Guanajuato’s bars, like Golem, Bar Fly and Dada, come alive at night with great tequila and mezcal. Each spot has its own vibe, but all serve up an excellent drink.
Need to know
Travel Tips:
Guanajuato is a hilly city with cobblestone streets, so be prepared for lots of walking and steep stairs.
Buy marigolds from street vendors and leave them on graves or altars that don’t get many visitors — it’s a beautiful tradition.
Guanajuato’s lively spirit, rich culture and Día de Muertos celebrations made this trip unforgettable. If you’re lucky enough to visit during this time, you’ll experience a festival like no other. Let me know if you need more tips or help planning your trip to this enchanting city. Safe travels!
Travel Advisor
Leslie Ford
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