Day of the Dead Celebration Week 2026: A Week to Discover Michoacán Through Its Towns

In brief: The Day of the Dead) Celebration Week takes place from October 23 to November 2nd, 2026, in 11 towns across Michoacán. It is organized by the state's Ministry of Tourism together with members of the region's Indigenous peoples, and includes craft workshops, altars, guided visits and traditional cooking.

In the Purépecha region, Noche de Ánimas—Animecha Kejtzitakua, the Night of the Souls—is never improvised. Families spend days preparing the offering, the bread, the marigolds and the arches that will welcome their departed, especially in homes mourning someone who passed away during the year. It is a tradition lived as a community, and to understand it, you need to see how it is prepared.

Day of the Dead Celebration Week in Michoacan 2026. Picture from SECTUR MICHOACAN

Day of the Dead Celebration Week 2026

That preparation is exactly what the Day of the Dead Celebration Week opens up to visitors. From October 23 to 31, the Michoacán Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the region's Indigenous peoples, will host craft workshops, altars, guided visits and traditional cooking. At Hotel Mansión Iturbe we welcome this initiative with enthusiasm: it is a wonderful opportunity to come close to this tradition, guided by local people.

The 11 Participating Towns

The experiences will take place in Pátzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, Huiramba, Santa Fe de la Laguna, Capula, Ichupio, Arocutín, Tzurumútaro, Ihuatzio, Tócuaro and Tanaco.

Each town has something of its own:

·       Tzintzuntzan was the capital of the Purépecha state.

·       Capula is renowned for its clay Catrina figures.

·       Tócuaro is known for its carved masks.

·       Santa Fe de la Laguna is known for its pottery.

·       Ihuatzio is known for its tule reed weaving.

Taking your time to explore them is the best way to appreciate the richness of this region. To plan your journeys, take a look at our 10 Unique Tourist options for our Pátzcuaro Visitors.

During your visit to Pátzcuaro and the nearby communities, we encourage you to buy directly from the women and men artisans and traditional cooks. It is the fairest way to honor Michoacán's folk art and to ensure these traditions continue.

56 Years of Working Alongside the Region

Mansión Iturbe opened as a hotel in 1970, in an 18th-century mansion, a designated Historic Monument, that has belonged to our family since 1790. After 56 years of welcoming travelers, we have learned that in Pátzcuaro it is essential to work hand in hand with the people of the region. That principle guides our decisions and is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, in particular Sustainable Development Goals 5, 11 and 12: supporting women's work, protecting heritage and promoting responsible consumption.

The Day of the Dead is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Michoacán it is not a spectacle: it is living heritage, and caring for it is the responsibility of all of us who make our living from tourism.

Where to Stay in Pátzcuaro During the Celebration Week

For those wishing to visit Pátzcuaro and the Lake Region during the Noche de Ánimas Celebration Week, Hotel Mansión Iturbe faces Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, where the Day of the Dead Artisan Market is held every season, a short distance from the lakeside communities. After each day of exploring, Restaurante Doña Paca welcomes you back with traditional Michoacán cuisine.

Day of the Dead in Patzcuáro, Michoacán

Being from Michoacán is both a source of pride and a commitment for us. We invite you to discover this land the way it deserves: with time, respect and curiosity.

Book your stay at Hotel Mansión Iturbe

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Day of the Dead Celebration Week 2026?

From October 23 to 31, 2026, in the days leading up to the Day of the Dead.

Where does it take place?

In 11 towns in Michoacán: Pátzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, Huiramba, Santa Fe de la Laguna, Capula, Ichupio, Arocutín, Tzurumútaro, Ihuatzio, Tócuaro and Tanaco.

Who organizes it?

The Michoacán Ministry of Tourism, together with members of the region's Indigenous peoples.

What activities will take place?

Craft workshops, altars, guided visits and traditional cooking.

How can visitors support the communities?

By buying directly from the women and men artisans and traditional cooks.

Where can I stay to explore the communities?

Hotel Mansión Iturbe, facing Plaza Vasco de Quiroga in Pátzcuaro's historic center, is an ideal base for visiting the communities of the Lake Region. We look forward to welcoming you.

*Text property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

We invite you to browse our blog, where you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will be useful for your next visit to our Pueblo Mágico.

Here are a few posts you may enjoy:

·       Cementeries Route for Day of the Dead in Pátzcuaro and the Lake Region

·       Night of the Dead Artisan Market in Pátzcuaro a Great Expetience

·       What can I do in Pátzcuaro in Day of the Dead?

VISIT OUR ONLINE FOLK ART STORE: MANSION ITURBE ARTISANS COLLECTION

Hotel Mansión Iturbe

Your hosts in Pátzcuaro since 1970

Portal Morelos 59

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

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Tel: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628

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