When is Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)?
Día de Muertos is celebrated November 1–2 each year. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Monday, November 1, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 20 days to go, which is about 2 weeks and 6 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
A little history
Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition with roots in Aztec rituals honoring the dead, later mixed with the Catholic All Saints' and All Souls' Days. UNESCO added it to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. It isn't a 'Mexican Halloween'; it's a warm, colorful celebration of family members who've passed.
How people celebrate
Families build ofrendas (home altars) with photos, candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, pan de muerto and the favorite foods of the people they're remembering. Many spend the night at cemeteries cleaning and decorating graves. Mexico City now holds a big parade, inspired by the James Bond film Spectre.
Closures and practical notes
In Mexico, November 2 is widely observed, and many offices and schools give time off. In the US, celebrations happen in Mexican-American communities from Los Angeles to San Antonio.
Planning tips
It isn't a day off for most people, so the real trick is planning around your normal week. Put a reminder in your phone a week before, and another two days before, so you're not scrambling the night before.
If you're buying anything for it, whether flowers, food, costumes or decorations, shopping a week or two early is cheaper and way less stressful than the last-minute rush.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) 2026?
Sunday, November 1, 2026.
What day of the week is Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) in 2027?
It's a Monday (November 1, 2027).
Why are marigolds used on Day of the Dead?
Their bright color and strong scent are believed to guide the spirits of the dead back home.