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Mexico🇲🇽 | festivalsFestival de la CalacaCalaca parades, Catrina makeup, Dolores Hidalgo, avocado ice cream | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in de la Calaca
👍 Recommendedfestival ranked #10
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Festival de la Calaca is not a Day of the Dead event held on November 1 and 2; it runs in the days around them, and the biggest nights fall before the holiday itself. It takes place in Dolores Hidalgo, in the state of Guanajuato in central Mexico, a town north of Guanajuato city. I once arrived by a late bus and a taxi driver cheerfully insisted my hostel did not exist, then drove me to it in four minutes. Book beds months ahead, since prices jump and rooms vanish. Carry pesos, because ATMs on the plaza run dry. Eat before the evening crowds. Skeleton parades, music and ofrendas suit curious, flexible travelers; anyone wanting quiet or a fixed schedule will be frustrated.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Mexico Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #10 festival in MexicoWhat makes this festival worth celebrating

Festival de la Calaca earns a spot on a Guanajuato loop because Dolores Hidalgo turns its plaza into a shared living room for skeleton-themed art, music and costume. Strangers paint faces together, trade tips on the best tamales and drift between stages until late. That temporary community forms fast, and you do not need Spanish to join in.

The second reason is the setting. Dolores Hidalgo is the Cradle of National Independence, so the festival sits against a town with real history, and you can add the church where the 1810 uprising began in an afternoon. The town is also known for Talavera ceramics and ice cream in unusual flavors, which gives your off-hours something to do.

It also stitches neatly into a trip with San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato city, both a short ride away. Compared … read more 👉
Festival de la Calaca earns a spot on a Guanajuato loop because Dolores Hidalgo turns its plaza into a shared living room for skeleton-themed art, music and costume. Strangers paint faces together, trade tips on the best tamales and drift between stages until late. That temporary community forms fast, and you do not need Spanish to join in.

The second reason is the setting. Dolores Hidalgo is the Cradle of National Independence, so the festival sits against a town with real history, and you can add the church where the 1810 uprising began in an afternoon. The town is also known for Talavera ceramics and ice cream in unusual flavors, which gives your off-hours something to do.

It also stitches neatly into a trip with San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato city, both a short ride away. Compared with the huge Day of the Dead crowds elsewhere, this one feels manageable and local, and your money goes further.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores: the baroque church where Miguel Hidalgo issued the 1810 call to revolt. During the festival its facade becomes the backdrop for photos and gatherings, and it is the place to start. Entry is free.
  2. Jardín Principal stages and calaca parades: costumed skeletons, elaborate Catrina makeup and brass bands fill the main plaza. Walk the route twice, once for the show and once for the details in the costumes.
  3. Ofrendas and altars: families, schools and businesses build altars with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls and photos. Each one tells a story about the person it honors, so stop and read them rather than snapping and moving on.
  4. Live music and night programming: concerts range from regional folk to rock and electronic acts after dark. Arrive early for a spot
… read more 👉
  1. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores: the baroque church where Miguel Hidalgo issued the 1810 call to revolt. During the festival its facade becomes the backdrop for photos and gatherings, and it is the place to start. Entry is free.
  2. Jardín Principal stages and calaca parades: costumed skeletons, elaborate Catrina makeup and brass bands fill the main plaza. Walk the route twice, once for the show and once for the details in the costumes.
  3. Ofrendas and altars: families, schools and businesses build altars with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls and photos. Each one tells a story about the person it honors, so stop and read them rather than snapping and moving on.
  4. Live music and night programming: concerts range from regional folk to rock and electronic acts after dark. Arrive early for a spot near the stage, and expect the crowd to thin only after midnight.
  5. Street food and sweets: look for pan de muerto, tamales, atole and the town’s famous ice cream in flavors like avocado, tequila or shrimp. Order from stalls with a line of locals.
For the least money, the church and plaza parades cost nothing, while concerts and some events may charge entry.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Festival de la Calaca

Tacos Tequila y Más: Local Food & History in Queretaro's Centro

Tacos Tequila y Más: Local Food & History in Queretaro's Centro

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Taste of Europe in Mexico: History and Flavors of Artisan Cheese

Taste of Europe in Mexico: History and Flavors of Artisan Cheese

5.0(30) 2h
From €100
per personViator
Dolores Hidalgo & Sanctuary of Atotonilco

Dolores Hidalgo & Sanctuary of Atotonilco

5.0(28) 7h
From €326
per personViator
Sanmigueleando Tour for Kids and Adults

Sanmigueleando Tour for Kids and Adults

5.0(27) 2h
From €25
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Tequila Tasting -Masterclass and Blind Tasting

Tequila Tasting -Masterclass and Blind Tasting

5.0(20) 1h 30m
From €113
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Canyoning Adventure from Querétaro or San Miguel for Beginners

Canyoning Adventure from Querétaro or San Miguel for Beginners

5.0(16) 9h
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Guanajuato City Tour

Guanajuato City Tour

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Camping Sierra Gorda

Camping Sierra Gorda

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Wine and Cheese Tour in Queretaro with Tastings

Wine and Cheese Tour in Queretaro with Tastings

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Learn how to weave with natural fibers in San Miguel de Allende

Learn how to weave with natural fibers in San Miguel de Allende

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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Festival de la Calaca?

Festival de la Calaca runs for about a week around Día de Muertos, from late October into the first days of November, in the historic center of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, with the main events on October 31 to November 2.
  • Best days: November 1 and 2 bring the busiest altars, cemetery visits and the evening Catrina processions, while earlier weekdays give you room to photograph the plaza displays.
  • Weather: Days reach about 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F) and nights drop to 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), with little rain. Bring a warm layer and comfortable shoes for cobblestones.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed three to six weeks ahead, since rooms fill and prices often rise 30 to 60 percent on the main nights. Most events are free.
  • Arrival: Roads and buses from Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende jam in the evenings,
… read more 👉
Festival de la Calaca runs for about a week around Día de Muertos, from late October into the first days of November, in the historic center of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, with the main events on October 31 to November 2.
  • Best days: November 1 and 2 bring the busiest altars, cemetery visits and the evening Catrina processions, while earlier weekdays give you room to photograph the plaza displays.
  • Weather: Days reach about 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F) and nights drop to 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), with little rain. Bring a warm layer and comfortable shoes for cobblestones.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed three to six weeks ahead, since rooms fill and prices often rise 30 to 60 percent on the main nights. Most events are free.
  • Arrival: Roads and buses from Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende jam in the evenings, so arrive before noon and leave the morning after.
Stay at least two nights so the late processions don’t force a rushed ride out.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The historic center around the Plaza Principal is the best area to stay, because the parades, stages and altars are all within a five to ten minute walk and you can walk back late without needing a taxi.
Staying here also puts you among the other budget travelers who gather in the plaza cafés and small courtyards in the evenings, which makes it easy to meet people and share a table. Streets around the plaza are lit and busy until late during the festival, so solo travelers feel comfortable. Expect noise until the early hours, so pack earplugs.
The blocks just a few streets north and south of the … read more 👉
The historic center around the Plaza Principal is the best area to stay, because the parades, stages and altars are all within a five to ten minute walk and you can walk back late without needing a taxi.
Staying here also puts you among the other budget travelers who gather in the plaza cafés and small courtyards in the evenings, which makes it easy to meet people and share a table. Streets around the plaza are lit and busy until late during the festival, so solo travelers feel comfortable. Expect noise until the early hours, so pack earplugs.
The blocks just a few streets north and south of the main square are quieter and cheaper, with family-run guesthouses and simple hostel-style rooms, still within a 10 to 15 minute walk.
If Dolores Hidalgo is full, San Miguel de Allende is the main alternative, about 45 minutes away by bus or car, with many more hostels and a stronger backpacker scene. Last buses back can be crowded, so confirm return times before you go out for the evening.
Best hostels in Mexico


Best quality hotels in Mexico

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Festival de la Calaca costs roughly US$60 to 107 per day for an independent traveler, including a bed in high season, food and local transport.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 10Most parades and plaza events are free. Some concerts or special shows charge a small entry fee.
AccommodationUS$20 to 45Dorm beds or simple private rooms are priced higher around November 1 and 2, and book out early.
Local transportUS$3 to 12Walking covers the center. Buses from San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato cost a few dollars each way, taxis a bit more.
Food & drinksUS$12 to 25Street tacos, tamales and nieve are cheap, while sit-down meals and mezcal cost more.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 15Souvenirs such as small calaveras, face painting and tips for guides or musicians.
Total Daily BudgetUS$60
… read more 👉
Festival de la Calaca costs roughly US$60 to 107 per day for an independent traveler, including a bed in high season, food and local transport.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 10Most parades and plaza events are free. Some concerts or special shows charge a small entry fee.
AccommodationUS$20 to 45Dorm beds or simple private rooms are priced higher around November 1 and 2, and book out early.
Local transportUS$3 to 12Walking covers the center. Buses from San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato cost a few dollars each way, taxis a bit more.
Food & drinksUS$12 to 25Street tacos, tamales and nieve are cheap, while sit-down meals and mezcal cost more.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 15Souvenirs such as small calaveras, face painting and tips for guides or musicians.
Total Daily BudgetUS$60 to 107Based on one high-season bed, paid in Mexican pesos, mostly in cash.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodWhat to Eat & Drink

Street food around the plaza is the heart of the festival, and the first thing to try is a nieve (hand-churned ice cream), because Dolores Hidalgo is famous for flavors like avocado, tequila, cheese and even shrimp. Order a small cup of two or three unusual ones to sample.
At the stalls you will find tacos, tamales, elotes and gorditas, plus pan de muerto, a sweet round bread dusted with sugar that appears everywhere in early November. Pair it with hot atole or champurrado on cold evenings. For something stronger, look for mezcal, pulque and fruit-based ponche served warm.
Cash is the rule. Carry small bills and coins, since many vendors cannot change large notes. Lines are longest after parades, so eat early or late. Portions are modest, which makes sharing easy and lets you taste more. Eat … read more 👉
Street food around the plaza is the heart of the festival, and the first thing to try is a nieve (hand-churned ice cream), because Dolores Hidalgo is famous for flavors like avocado, tequila, cheese and even shrimp. Order a small cup of two or three unusual ones to sample.
At the stalls you will find tacos, tamales, elotes and gorditas, plus pan de muerto, a sweet round bread dusted with sugar that appears everywhere in early November. Pair it with hot atole or champurrado on cold evenings. For something stronger, look for mezcal, pulque and fruit-based ponche served warm.
Cash is the rule. Carry small bills and coins, since many vendors cannot change large notes. Lines are longest after parades, so eat early or late. Portions are modest, which makes sharing easy and lets you taste more. Eat where locals queue and watch the food cooked in front of you.

FAQFrequently asked questions about de la Calaca

Festival de la Calaca takes place around Día de Muertos, with events from late October through the first days of November. The busiest nights are November 1 and 2. It is held in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, mainly around the central plaza.
Attending Festival de la Calaca is mostly free, since parades, altars and plaza events cost nothing. Budget about US$50 to 95 a day for a bed, food and transport, with beds around US$20 to 45 in the busy days. Special concerts may charge US$5 to 10.
Festival de la Calaca does not require tickets for most street events, parades and altar displays in Dolores Hidalgo. Book your bed 4 to 8 weeks ahead, especially for November 1 and 2. Only select concerts or ticketed shows may need advance purchase.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Festival de la Calaca is best on the evening of the main parade, when dusk gives way to candlelight and the plaza fills with painted faces. I would arrive a day early, see the altars in daylight while they are calm, and save your energy for the late-night music.

✈️ When did I visit Mexico?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Mexico in February and March 2016. Had to hurry a bit as I didn’t want to miss the free performance of the Rolling Stones in Cuba.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Mexico, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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