Traditions of Mexico City
A vast capital built on an Aztec lake, where the Day of the Dead parade, the Virgin of Guadalupe and a street food world meet.
Mexico City was founded as Tenochtitlan in 1325 and is among the largest cities in the world. Its calendar combines Aztec, Catholic and modern traditions: the Virgin of Guadalupe pilgrimage in December, the Independence cry on 15 September, and the Day of the Dead.
Guadalupe and the dead
On 12 December, millions of pilgrims arrive at the Basilica of Guadalupe, many on foot, to honour the Virgin. For the Day of the Dead, ofrendas are built, and calaveras, sugar skulls, are sold in markets. On 15 September, the president rings a bell and shouts the Grito de Dolores to start the independence festival.
At the table
Tacos al pastor, tamales, pozole, chilaquiles for breakfast, and elote with chilli and lime are daily food. Pan de muerto is baked for the Day of the Dead, and rosca de reyes on 6 January. Atole, a warm corn drink, and hot chocolate are served in winter.
Signature traditions of Mexico City
Also part of it, and being written: Taco al pastor (The taco.), Pan de muerto (The bread.), Grito de Dolores (The cry.).
A trail idea for Mexico City
- Mercado de San Juan See exotic foods.
- Xochimilco Ride a trajinera.
- Zócalo See the festivities.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
Photo credits on this page
The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe: Sebastian Wallroth, CC BY 3.0, source
- Day of the Dead: RubeHM, CC BY-SA 4.0, source