Mexico City: Día de los Muertos
I spent a few days in Mexico City during Día de los Muertos, and it turned into one of those trips that sticks with you long after you leave. I was joined by my good friend David Hemsi, who has been the creative force behind our logos, websites, and so many of the visuals for my businesses over the years. Traveling with someone who sees the world through a design lens added another layer to the experience, especially in a city as visually rich as this one. Trips like this are exactly why I love helping others prepare through travel photography coaching before they head out on their own adventures.
Mexico City has a way of surprising you. It feels a bit like Europe with its historic Spanish colonial architecture, public squares, and cultural depth, but without the long-haul flight. While it’s one of the largest cities in the world, you experience it in pockets, neighborhoods that each have their own personality. Everywhere we went felt vibrant, walkable, and welcoming. From a photography standpoint, it’s an incredible place to explore, especially if you’re drawn to storytelling. That’s something I dive deeper into during my workshops, helping you learn how to capture places in a way that feels authentic to your experience.
The highlights came fast. The street food alone is worth the trip. There’s nothing quite like grabbing al pastor tacos from a packed stand where you know the locals are lining up for a reason. The art scene is just as impressive. Seeing the work of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in person at Palacio de Bellas Artes and Casa Azul adds so much context to their stories and to Mexico’s history. The city is layered with culture, from massive cathedrals to world-class museums, many more than we had time to explore in just a few days.
One of the most memorable experiences was heading out to San Andrés Mixquic on November 1st. It’s about a two to three hour drive from the city and known for its Día de los Muertos celebrations. As we wandered through the village, we passed street vendors selling handmade crafts, food, and drinks, all surrounded by the energy of the holiday. At one point, we came across a traditional dance performance, locals dressed in full Día de los Muertos attire, moving to music that felt deeply rooted in history. It was one of those moments where you stop shooting for a second just to take it all in.
Everywhere we turned, the streets were filled with people dressed in traditional clothing, their faces beautifully painted in the iconic Día de los Muertos style. It was completely overwhelming in the best possible way as a photographer. There was almost too much to take in, layers of color, texture, and emotion happening all at once. What made it even more incredible was how welcoming everyone was. People smiled, made eye contact, and many were genuinely excited to have their portraits taken. It created this rare environment where you didn’t feel like an outsider with a camera, but rather part of the celebration itself, invited into these moments that felt both deeply personal and culturally powerful.
Another standout was visiting Xochimilco. Imagine floating through canals on brightly colored boats, guided by a gondolier, while other boats drift by selling food, drinks, and even live mariachi music. We happened to be there on November 2nd, a national holiday, and the entire area was alive with celebration. It was chaotic in the best way and an absolute goldmine for photography.
Visiting Mexico City during Día de los Muertos felt like stepping into the heart of the culture. The traditions, the colors, the energy, it all comes together in a way that’s hard to describe until you experience it yourself. If you’re looking for a trip that offers both depth and visual inspiration, this is it. And if you want help preparing for a trip like this or learning how to capture it in a meaningful way, my photography tours and coaching sessions are designed to help you do exactly that.