All Saints' Day in Mexico - November 1
All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos) on November 1st is the solemn prelude to Day of the Dead. Families honor saints and loved ones with church services, cemetery visits and the creation of early altars.
Religious Services & Candlelight Vigils
- Masses for the Holy Souls: Parishes hold special liturgies, blessing offerings and praying for the faithful departed.
- Cemetery Visits: Families arrive with marigolds, white chrysanthemums and candles to clean and decorate gravesites.
- Candlelight Vigils: Nighttime vigils in cemeteries feature soft singing of villancicos and quiet remembrance.
Transition into Day of the Dead
While November 1 focuses on child souls (angelitos), November 2 honors adult spirits. Many begin setting up ofrendas—multi-tiered altars with photos, sugar skulls, pan de muerto, papel picado and favorite foods of the departed.
Traditional Foods & Offerings
- Pan de Muerto: Sweet bread shaped like bones, sprinkled with sugar and flavored with orange.
- Alfeñiques & Sugar Skulls: Colorful confections molded into skull shapes with intricate icing designs.
- Seasonal Fruits: Cempasúchil (marigold) petals, tamarind candies and tejocote fruit are common altar offerings.
Visitor Guidance & Etiquette
- Respect Sacred Spaces: Speak softly in cemeteries, follow local guidelines and avoid stepping on graves.
- Participate Mindfully: Ask permission before photographing families at their loved ones' tombs.
- Timing Your Visit: Early morning and late afternoon are less crowded—ideal for reflection and photography.
- Combine with Neighboring Events: Attend a municipal calavera parade or artisan market for broader cultural context.
All Saints' Day in Mexico is a poignant blend of faith and familial devotion—setting the stage for the colorful, joyful celebrations of Day of the Dead that follow on November 2nd.