Paseo de la Reforma hosts Day of the Dead parade on 31 October
Published on 09/27/2026 at 07:31 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City will host the Great Day of the Dead Parade on 31 October 2026, with the route running from the Glorieta de la Diana Cazadora to the Zócalo. The avenue, known locally as Paseo de la Reforma, will form part of the capital’s official Day of the Dead programme.
Great Day of the Dead Parade reaches Paseo de la Reforma on 31 October
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, 31 October 2026, and begins at 2pm at the Glorieta de la Diana Cazadora, according to the official 2026 programme. Its route follows the avenue towards the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square.
The published programme lists marching bands, dancers, mojigangas, or giant puppets, and dozens of large floats. It also names floats or sections dedicated to Juan Gabriel, Emilio El Indio Fernández, the Red Queen of Palenque and Mexican wrestling, alongside a special UNICEF contingent.
The parade is one of several public events scheduled in Mexico City between October and early November. Other activities on the avenue include the CempasĂşchil Flower Festival from 18 October to 1 November and the Mega Procession of the Catrinas on 25 October.
Paseo de la Reforma’s historic route frames the October parade
Mexico City’s official venue guide says the avenue was commissioned by Maximilian of Habsburg in the 1860s. It was originally called Paseo de la Emperatriz and was intended to connect Chapultepec Castle with the entrance to the historic centre.
The boulevard later took its current name under the republican government. Its route now links wide, tree-lined sections with roundabouts and landmarks including the Angel of Independence, the Diana the Huntress fountain and the Cuauhtémoc statue, as described in the city’s venue guide.
That setting gives the 31 October programme a direct connection with the avenue’s history. A route first laid out as a ceremonial link to Chapultepec now carries a public celebration that joins historic monuments, popular art and Mexico’s annual remembrance traditions.
October programme extends beyond the main parade route
The official guide also places “The Path” illumination between the Angel of Independence and the Puerta de los Leones from 23 October to 8 November. The installation is described as a route of lights and colour with xoloitzcuintles, catrinas, altars, papel picado and cempasúchil flowers.
On 24 October, the Day of the Dead Bike Ride is scheduled to run from the Fuente de Petróleos to the Historic Center. The route covers 19 kilometres along the avenue and Avenida Juárez, with bike-school points, bicycle loans, a costume contest and DJ stages listed in the city programme.
Visiting Paseo de la Reforma: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Great Day of the Dead Parade takes place on 31 October 2026, beginning at the Glorieta de la Diana Cazadora and ending at the ZĂłcalo.
- The official programme names a public parade route along the avenue, but it does not state a separate access arrangement for visitors or a ticket requirement.
- The avenue is in Mexico City and extends through areas including Miguel Hidalgo and Cuauhtémoc. The city venue guide identifies it as a route near Chapultepec and its major monuments.
- The route includes broad urban streets, roundabouts and tree-lined sections. Visitors following the parade should expect an outdoor walking environment rather than a single enclosed venue.
- Spanish is Mexico’s official language for public administration, and the national currency is the Mexican peso.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Paseo de la Reforma
When does the Great Day of the Dead Parade take place at Paseo de la Reforma?
The parade takes place on 31 October 2026. It begins at 2pm at the Glorieta de la Diana Cazadora and ends at the ZĂłcalo.
What is Paseo de la Reforma?
It is a major Mexico City avenue designed in the 1860s to connect Chapultepec Castle with the entrance to the historic centre. Its route includes monuments such as the Angel of Independence and the Cuauhtémoc statue.
Where is Paseo de la Reforma and how do you get there?
The avenue runs through Mexico City near Chapultepec and central districts including Miguel Hidalgo and Cuauhtémoc. The official venue guide identifies access by Avenida Paseo de la Reforma in Miguel Hidalgo.
