Voyage Express

Oaxaca in general is a beautiful city, Meli & Me stayed out of the center to save money on accommodations which we will get into later. Oaxaca city during the holiday called “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) is a bucket list item for all.

The day of the dead is very important for the locals because during the days they celebrate, it is believed this is when their ancestors commune the easiest with them. The festivities have evolved over the ages as would anything taking on modern innuendos. Today’s Dia De los Muertos is a medley of old and new joining local tradition with a massive influx of foreigners to join in the festivities. 

Its difficult to inform people on what do and see because every corner you turn you are engaged with festivities. Many events happen simultaneously, so it all comes down to being in the right spot at the right moment. But in vague terms we recommend getting a “catrina”  or “catrin” for men, which is your face painted and we recommend getting it done in the city center. Meli got hers for outside the center thinking this is where the locals went and the artist did their best but it made Meli look like she had did it herself half drunk. That being said I recommend the painters in the center as they get the most practice. They will charge you between $100 to $200 MXN, depending on how intricate you want it and if you want a full or half face.

Also seeing the plaza is a must as it is teeming with people and smiles. The atmosphere is overwhelming filling you with joy and excitement, fireworks raining day and night; booms echo the streets and parades marching every night. Once the parade passes you can even join in on the march. One thing everyone should do is go get lost and engage with locals seeing the festivities from a local perspective. The city at night is like nothing we have seen before, the Zocalo is the city center plaza and much worth it for the markets and activities that encompass it. There is also a calendar you can get to follow the city’s planned events which isn’t even close to all of things going on.

There are many neighborhoods to see but one in particular is Jalatlaco, which is not only immensely beautiful but filled with colonial charm and vibrant colours. There are also pedestrian-only streets you must walk through filled with beautiful stores, cafes and galleries.

In true Voyager nature let the winds in your sails guide you. We cannot urge you enough to see this for yourself, there is to much to write about and no words could do this justice no matter the eloquence put on them. Be prepared to be amazed and be busy from sun rise and well past sun set. During your days here try mole, pan de muertos, hot chocolate, mezcal and local street food. Another event to partake in which we did not, out of our personal stance on it because we believe it is to be a time when the locals engage with their family past and present, but its isn’t frowned upon to see the pateons or cemetaries and the “ofrendas”, one recommendation is not to paint your face when visiting this places as you wont see locals do it. But if you do I’m sure they will be accepting of your appearance and may offer you mezcal and snacks enjoying good company. Also try jamaican water it is a drink made from a flower although to floral for Meli it was perfect for me like a nectar.

This is not a holiday of death but a celebration of eternity and life. It is rude to cry or mourn for the lost ones in this instance it is a beautiful day to be happy and in high spirits. If you are on a budget there is a lot to do without paying from parades to live bands and musicals happening all over the city but typically converging in the center. For the budget sensitive traveler and the financially capable Oaxaca city has more to offer than can be enjoyed in a couple nights and in a plethora of ways. So if you don’t do this one for you, do it for your ancestors so they may commune with you for these very festive days.

The Oaxacan people are beautiful inside and out, being some of the friendliest and aesthetically pleasing people we have encountered in Mexico. Go get lost in all that Oaxaca has to offer & be sure to tell us all about it.

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