Quick answer: Cozumel's 6th Almas con Tradición Day of the Dead festival runs from Friday, October 30 to Monday, November 2, 2026 in downtown San Miguel. It opens at night at the town cemetery with candles and a procession of souls, builds a giant community altar in Parque Benito Juárez (the main square), hosts a family Halloween costume contest on October 31 and a run along the waterfront on November 1, and closes with music and dancing. The events are free and visitors are welcome.
The town government presented this year's program in mid-October. If you're on the island this weekend, it's one of the best chances all year to see Cozumel as locals live it, long after the cruise ships have sailed.
What's on, day by day
| Date | What happens | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 30 | Opening with candle lighting at the giant skull sculpture "El Despertar" and a video projection, then the 5th Procession of Souls (Procesión de Ánimas) into town and the building of the community altar | San Miguel cemetery, then Parque Benito Juárez |
| Sat, Oct 31 | Inclusive Halloween party with costume contests by category, a trick-or-treat area and a youth dance contest | Parque Benito Juárez and Avenida 5 (Quinta Avenida) |
| Sun, Nov 1 | "Somos Ofrenda": the "Corre que te alcanza la huesuda" fun run along the waterfront | The malecón (waterfront) |
| Oct 30 to Nov 2 | Altar displays, traditional food, and catrina and catrín contests | Downtown |
| Mon, Nov 2 | "Baila, Calavera, Baila" show, closing ceremony and a street dance with symphonic bands from Cozumel and from El Retiro, Colombia | Parque Benito Juárez |
Times are usually announced day by day on the Cozumel town government's website and social media. Evening events typically start after sunset, around 7 pm.
Also this month: the museum's Day of the Dead nights
Before the town festival, the island's parks and museums foundation held its own free celebration, "Tradición, luz y reencuentro," at the Museo de la Isla on the waterfront from October 23 to 25. This year it honored the state of Michoacán, with the monarch butterfly as its symbol. If you missed it, the museum is still worth an hour on any visit.
Tips for visitors
- Go to the plaza after dark. The altar, the music and the catrinas (people painted and dressed as elegant skeletons) are at their best in the evening.
- Be respectful at the cemetery. Families come to clean and decorate graves and remember their loved ones. Walk quietly, don't touch the offerings, and ask before photographing people.
- Try the food. In the Yucatán the holiday is also called Hanal Pixán, and the dish to look for is mucbipollo, a big tamal baked in an underground pit, plus pan de muerto sweet bread.
- Expect street closures downtown around the square and the waterfront during the procession and the run. Leave extra time for taxis.
Questions and Answers
When is Day of the Dead in Cozumel in 2026?
The town's Almas con Tradición festival runs from October 30 to November 2, 2026. The traditional family days are November 1, for children who have died, and November 2, for adults.
Where are the Day of the Dead events in Cozumel?
In downtown San Miguel: the opening is at the town cemetery, the main altar and most shows are in Parque Benito Juárez (the main square), and the November 1 run is along the waterfront.
Can tourists join Day of the Dead in Cozumel?
Yes. The festival events are free and open to everyone. Dress up as a catrina if you like, and be respectful at the cemetery and the altars.
More Cozumel news and guides:
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Top photo: a monumental Day of the Dead altar with marigolds and skeleton musicians, like the community altar built in Parque Benito Juárez each year. "Altar Monumental del Día de Muertos en la UCSJ" by Mario Yaír TS, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized.
