The 2026 Tlaquepaque Day of the Dead Festival will feature nine days of activities, including parades, catrinas, altars, music, workshops, and tours through the streets of Downtown.
The festival will take place from October 25 to November 2 and will include several events where families can enjoy the traditions of the Day of the Dead.
This year’s festival will begin with an opening parade and continue with cultural activities, craft exhibitions, and various celebrations dedicated to remembering those who are no longer with us.
Complete schedule for the Tlaquepaque Day of the Dead Festival
Highlights of the scheduled activities include the opening parade, the Rodada de los Espíritus, the Catrinas Gala, and the installation of a monumental altar on Juárez Street. There will also be processions, calaveritas contests, and rituals dedicated to the deceased.
Here are some of the key dates to help you plan your visit.
Sunday, October 25: opening parade
The celebrations will begin with the grand opening parade, which will depart from Pila Seca at 7:00 p.m. The event will bring together artistic and traditional expressions related to the Day of the Dead.
Monday, October 26: exhibition, altar, and catrinas
At 6:00 p.m., an exhibition by Rocío Correal will open at Casa Colibrí, accompanied by an altar for the dead and crafts inspired by catrinas.
Later, at 8:00 p.m., there will be a dedication ceremony for the altar set up at City Hall.
Tuesday, October 27: Altars and the Procession of the Spirits
At 7:00 p.m., the altar display will be unveiled at the El Refugio Cultural Center.
In the evening, at 9:00 p.m., the “Rodada de los Espíritus” will take place—a themed bike ride through the city’s streets that will conclude in downtown Tlaquepaque. Participation is free, but advance registration is required. For more details, please contact Franky at 333 815 4696.
Wednesday, October 28: Calavera Race
If you enjoy sports, the Carrera Calavera will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Hidalgo and Revolución. Participation is free, with prior registration required.
Thursday, October 29: Catrinas Gala
The Patio San Pedro at El Refugio will host the Catrinas Gala, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. This event will celebrate one of the most iconic figures of the Day of the Dead.
Friday, October 30: monumental altar and procession
At 12:00 p.m., the monumental altar on Juárez Street will be unveiled—one of the highlights you can visit during the celebrations.
In the late afternoon, at 7:00 p.m., the “El Alabado” procession will take place, departing from Plaza Springfield. At 9:00 p.m., the El Parián bandstand will host a contest featuring verses about La Llorona and “calaveritas,” with free participation upon prior registration.
Saturday, October 31: Perrón Gathering and Night Tour
Saturday’s activities will begin at 5:00 p.m. with the Encuentro Perrón at Jardín Hidalgo.
Later, at 9:00 p.m., there will be a tour of the Municipal Cemetery, located in the downtown area, to explore this space of remembrance during the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Sunday, November 1: children’s activities, “ánimas,” and candles
Hidalgo Garden will host the Children’s Catrinas and Catrines Gala at 12:00 p.m., an event designed so that children can also be part of the celebration.
In the evening, the program will continue with the Paseo de las Ánimas at 7:00 p.m., starting at the intersection of Morelos and Cruz Verde streets. At the same time, there will be storytelling sessions featuring tales and legends in Plaza Springfield, en route to the cemetery.
At 8:00 p.m., the ritual of lighting candles on the altars will take place, beginning at the altar on Juárez Street. The day will conclude with the pre-Hispanic Macuixóchitl ritual as an offering to the deceased at 9:30 p.m. in the Jardín Hidalgo.
Monday, November 2: offering to the dead and Catrina brides
The last day of the festival will begin with an offering to the dead by the pre-Hispanic group Macuixóchitl at 5:00 p.m. on the Presidencia esplanade.
To close out the celebrations, the procession of Catrina brides will take place at 7:00 p.m., starting on Hidalgo Street.
There will be workshops, crafts, and cultural activities
In addition to the main events, there will be activities throughout the festival that invite visitors to explore downtown Tlaquepaque at different times of the day.
- Handicraft Exhibition and Sale: October 23–November 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., in the arcades of the downtown area.
- Fun workshops for the whole family: October 23 through November 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., in the city center.
- Music, dance, and theater: October 29 through November 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at Jardín Hidalgo.
For more information, check the Tlaquepaque Government’s social media accounts.
