What to do in Mexico City in November

November is a vibrant month to enjoy Mexico City, where the combination of traditional festivities, pleasant weather, and a rich cultural offer make it an ideal time to explore the Mexican capital. This month stands out for the celebration of the Day of the Dead, along with a series of artistic events, food fairs, and tourist activities that will allow you to discover the historical and cultural wealth of the city. Here we present a complete guide with the best things to do in Mexico City during November.

Day of the Dead Parade

One of the main attractions in November is the spectacular Day of the Dead Parade. This event has become a modern tradition, rooted in the James Bond film Spectre, which popularized the idea of a parade featuring figures and elements related to the Day of the Dead in the Zócalo. Although it is not part of the traditional celebration, the parade offers an impressive display of art, color, and creativity, with floats, giant Catrinas, puppets, and live music.

The parade runs from Paseo de la Reforma to the Zócalo, passing by some of the city’s most iconic monuments, such as the Angel of Independence and the Diana the Huntress Roundabout.

• Monumental Offerings

November is the month when Day of the Dead offerings are found all over the city. Mexico City’s Zócalo hosts one of the largest and most spectacular offerings, where artists and communities recreate traditional altars with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, cut paper decorations, and photographs of the deceased.

Other notable places to see monumental offerings are:

• National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM): Each year, UNAM organizes a mega offering in its central esplanade, paying tribute to important figures of Mexican culture.
• Dolores Olmedo Museum: This museum in Xochimilco is known for its beautiful offering that blends pre-Hispanic and contemporary elements.
• Tlatelolco Cultural Center: Presents artistic offerings that combine history and memory.

Calacas Fair in Xochimilco

Xochimilco, famous for its canals and trajineras, also joins the Day of the Dead celebrations with the Calacas Festival. This event offers a more traditional version of the festivity, with altars decorated on the chinampas, nighttime trajinera rides among marigold flowers, and cultural events such as theater, dance, and traditional music. Additionally, during the festival, you can taste typical dishes like tamales and atole while enjoying an atmosphere full of mysticism and tradition.

Night of the Dead in Mixquic

Mixquic is one of the most traditional towns in Mexico City to experience the Day of the Dead authentically. During the Night of the Dead (November 1 and 2), Mixquic fills with light from candles adorning the altars and graves in the local cemetery. This southern neighborhood offers a deep and moving experience, as families decorate their loved ones’ graves and participate in processions honoring the memory of the deceased.

If you decide to visit Mixquic, you will find typical food stalls, craft sales, and performances of pre-Hispanic dances, allowing you to connect directly with one of the country’s most deeply rooted traditions.

International Children's and Youth Book Fair (FILIJ)

November is also the month of the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair (FILIJ), held at Bicentenario Park or the National Center for the Arts (CENART). This fair brings together publishers from around the world and is aimed at both children and young readers, with activities for the entire family as well.

FILIJ offers a wide range of activities, including book presentations, writing workshops, storytelling, theater, film screenings, and concerts. It is an excellent event to promote reading and enjoy literary culture in a relaxed and creative environment.

Morelia International Film Festival in Mexico City

After its celebration in the city of Morelia, the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM) brings some of its films to Mexico City. This festival is one of the most important in the country and offers a selection of the best Mexican and international cinema. During November, you can see FICM-winning films in venues such as the National Cinematheque, as well as other cultural spaces like Cine Tonalá or Cinepolis Diana.

It is an excellent opportunity for independent film lovers and those interested in discovering new cinematic proposals.

November Jazz Month

November is also Jazz Month in Mexico City. During this time, several festivals and concerts dedicated to jazz are held, featuring local and international artists. Some highlighted events include:

• Jazz Festival in Polanco: Takes place at Lincoln Park in the heart of Polanco, offering free outdoor concerts by jazz bands and soloists.
• Jazzatlán CDMX: One of the city’s most iconic jazz clubs, presenting a special lineup throughout November with intimate performances by renowned jazz musicians.

If you love music, this is a great opportunity to enjoy talented musicians in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

Pan de muerto and sugar skulls

November is the month when you can enjoy the traditional pan de muerto, a delicious sweet bread sprinkled with sugar and decorated with dough bones. This bread is available in all the city’s bakeries from September until mid-November and is one of the most anticipated treats of the season.

If you want to try some of the city’s best pan de muerto, don’t miss the versions from bakeries such as:

• Panadería Rosetta: In the Roma neighborhood, famous for its pan de muerto filled with cream.
• Maison Belén: Offers a traditional version, perfect to accompany with a pot of coffee.
• El Globo: A classic chain in Mexico selling a very popular traditional pan de muerto.

Jamaica Market and Day of the Dead

Jamaica Market is a place you should not miss in November. Known mainly for its flower sales, especially the iconic marigold flowers, the market transforms into an epicenter of the Day of the Dead festivity. Here you can buy everything you need to make your own Day of the Dead altar, from cut paper decorations to sugar skulls.

You will also find food stalls selling typical snacks like tamales, atole, and mole, making it an excellent destination to enjoy traditional gastronomy while immersing yourself in Day of the Dead culture.

National Mole Fair

In November, the Mole Festival is also celebrated in places like San Pedro Atocpan, located in the Milpa Alta borough. This festival is a unique opportunity to taste a wide variety of moles, from the most traditional such as mole poblano and Oaxacan black mole, to more modern and experimental versions.

This event brings together local cooks and chefs offering tastings, workshops, and demonstrations on how this typical Mexican dish is prepared.

Chapultepec Forest

Chapultepec Forest is always a charming place to visit at any time of year, but in November, with the mild weather, it is ideal for strolling, exercising, or simply enjoying nature. The forest houses several museums, such as the National Anthropology Museum and the Tamayo Museum, which usually have special exhibitions during this season.

You can also visit Chapultepec Castle, a beautiful historic building that offers stunning views of the city. In November, the atmosphere is particularly pleasant for walking through its gardens and enjoying Mexico’s history.

Cycling on Reforma

Every Sunday, Paseo de la Reforma avenue closes to vehicle traffic and becomes an open route for cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians. Take advantage of November’s pleasant weather to rent a bike and explore the city in a relaxed way. The Move on Bike program runs from the Zócalo to Chapultepec Forest and is an excellent option to enjoy the outdoors while visiting some of the city’s most emblematic spots.

Visit Nearby Magical Towns

November is a great month for day trips from Mexico City to nearby magical towns. Some recommended destinations are:

• Tepoztlán: Located less than two hours from the city, it’s ideal for hiking up Tepozteco Hill, visiting its craft market, and enjoying local cuisine.

• Valle de Bravo: Famous for its lake and outdoor activities like sailing, paragliding, and hiking.

In both destinations, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and local traditions that complement your visit to the city.

November is a fascinating month to visit Mexico City. The Day of the Dead celebrations, along with the wide cultural, gastronomic, and tourist offerings, create a unique experience. From colorful parades and monumental offerings to music and film festivals, the Mexican capital becomes a hub of activities that allow you to discover the essence of its culture and traditions. Without a doubt, November is one of the best times of the year to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this city.

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