Oaxaca Cemetery Vigils

The Oaxacan Día de Muertos tradition of families spending the night of November 1st in their village cemeteries — the graves covered in marigold petals, candles illuminating every tomb, and bands playing the favorites of the deceased — is the most emotionally profound expression of the holiday in Mexico and the tradition that inspired the Pixar film Coco. The Xoxocotlán, San Felipe del Agua, and Atzompa cemetery vigils are the most immersive available to respectful visitors.