On which dates is Day of the Dead primarily celebrated?

Day of the Dead is primarily celebrated on November 1 and 2.

The two-day observance is connected to Catholic All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2. In many Mexican traditions, November 1 is associated especially with deceased children, sometimes called Día de los Angelitos, while November 2 focuses more broadly on deceased adults. Practices and labels can vary by region and family.

Families commonly prepare ofrendas, or altars, with photographs, candles, marigolds, food, beverages, and personal items connected with loved ones who have died. Many people also visit cemeteries, clean graves, share meals, and tell stories about the departed. The mood may be affectionate and celebratory rather than purely mournful.

Halloween is celebrated on October 31 and is distinct, although the dates occur close together and some communities include October 31 in their observances. Local customs may also extend Day of the Dead activities beyond November 1 and 2, but those remain the principal dates. The holiday’s roots combine Indigenous Mexican traditions with Catholic observances introduced during Spanish colonization.