Day of the Dead in Los Cabos: Altars, Catrinas and Where to Go

Day of the Dead in Cabo is a Mexican tradition of remembering loved ones who have died, observed mainly on November 1–2. It is not “Mexican Halloween”, and it is not simply the holiday from Coco. Los Cabos marks the days with colorful ofrendas, marigolds, Catrinas and community gatherings.

When Is Day of the Dead in Mexico?

Day of the Dead in Mexico is celebrated on November 1 and 2, with November 1 generally for children who have died and November 2 for adults. Towns and cities generally start with events, and there’s some preparation for a few days leading up to November 1, so if you come a little early, you may see some altars and decor up and around.

How Does Mexico Celebrate Day of the Dead?

Mexicans usually celebrate by putting up an ofrenda (altar) with photographs, candles, cempasúchil (marigold), papel picado and their deceased’s belongings. Many families also cook pan de muerto, calaveritas de azúcar and the deceased’s favorite meals. It is also a time to visit the cemetery and spend time with the souls of their loved ones.

The tradition dates back to Indigenous cultures and eventually mixed with Catholicism. The whimsical, yet macabre image of La Catrina, now married to Día de los Muertos, was actually born as satire by the illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. However, it wasn’t until much later that the figure found fame.

Food is also part of the experience, so it’s a great time to find typical dishes to try in Los Cabos that are really celebrated and embraced during this time.

Day of the Dead in Los Cabos, Day by Day

On October 31, early displays and special activities begin to appear in towns in the state. Flora Farms has hosted an annual Day of the Dead altar competition for many years; the tenth edition will take place on November 2, 2026.

November 1 is the first official day of the holiday. In Cabo San Lucas, more altars may be observed on Plaza Amelia Wilkes and the marina. The sea-bound altars of Altares en el Mar are sometimes visible from the marina as a parade of lit boats.

November 2 is the second day and the one most often associated with San José del Cabo. Look for activities in Plaza Mijares (the town square) and the historic district. Events change each year and venues may shift, so check for the latest information before you go. For more seasonal ideas, see these festivals and celebrations in Los Cabos.

San José del Cabo Art Walk: Where the Art Season Begins

The San José del Cabo Art Walk is held in the Gallery District around Plaza Mijares in downtown San José del Cabo on Thursdays, 5–9 pm, November through June. A completely free, self-guided, open-invitation event, the Art Walk began in 2006 and aims to draw visitors into the district’s traditional galleries, studios, and downtown.

The earliest Art Walk of the season is generally the first Thursday of the month: November 5, 2026, the day after the holiday. This event usually includes Day of the Dead-themed artwork and altars, offering a close, eco-friendly “bonus round” celebration. It is also a good introduction to local life beyond the resorts.

Day of the Dead Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Visitors

Do: View the altars without touching them. Ask if it is okay to take a closer photo of an altar and do buy handmade paper artwork or crafts at street markets. Dress respectfully and conservatively in the cemeteries; be aware that this is a religious observance and tradition.

Don’t: Take things from the altar, pose for photos and play, or call it “Mexican Halloween.” Catrina face paint may be an amusing thing to do, but please take care not to trivialize sacred heritage as a costume or makeup gag.

Is Day of the Dead Only a Mexican Tradition?

Day of the Dead is most recognized as a tradition in Mexico and has been recognized by UNESCO, but related traditions are also practiced to some extent in other large Latin American countries like Guatemala, Bolivia, Ecuador, as well as by Mexican-Americans in the United States of America.

Planning a Cabo trip around November 1–2 lets you see a side of Los Cabos that goes well beyond the resort corridor. Pair evenings in town with a daytime desert adventure, such as Cactus Tours’ all-inclusive Park Pass, and check the best time to visit Los Cabos when planning your trip.