Come for Formula 1®, Stay for Día de los Muertos

Observed on 1 and 2 November, Día de los Muertos offers a unique opportunity to experience the history, traditions and communities that make Mexico City such a memorable place to visit. With the Grand Prix™ in Mexico City taking place around the same time, you can experience that atmosphere alongside one of the most exciting weekends on the Formula 1® calendar. 

Historic Roots Meet Modern Expression 

Día de los Muertos is a celebration of loved ones who have passed and the belief that, during this time, their souls can return to visit their families. Its traditions combine Indigenous Mesoamerican beliefs and practices surrounding death with Catholic customs introduced following Spanish colonisation in the 16th century. These traditions came together with the observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, helping shape many of the modern celebrations still seen throughout Mexico today.

At the centre of the holiday are ofrendas. Families create altars and decorate graves of their loved ones, adorning them with colourful flowers, bright papel picado, delicious foods, and sentimental personal items as offerings to welcome the spirits home.

Many symbols can be found throughout the city during this time, and each carries a specific meaning to the holiday. Cempasúchil (marigolds) with their bright colour and distinctive scent are believed to light a path for souls returning to their families. Pan de muerto and tamales welcome and feed those same souls after their long journeys. Incense, or copal, purifies the air.

La Catrina has also become one of the most recognisable figures associated with the holiday. Developed through the work of Mexican artists José Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera, the elegantly dressed skeleton is now seen throughout Día de los Muertos artwork, costumes, and displays.

These symbols shape Día de los Muertos into a celebration that is colourful and joyful, but also deeply personal. Across Mexico City, remembrance moves beyond individual homes and ofrendas, becoming part of the city itself. 

Follow the Marigolds to the Circuit… 

Mexico City hardly needs an excuse for a visit. From the historic neighbourhoods and world-renowned cuisine to museums, markets, and art, there is plenty to explore long before you make your way to the circuit. Local culture has long been at the centre of the Grand Prix™ in Mexico City, but around Día de los Muertos, there’s even more to experience.

Throughout Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexican music, entertainment and cultural details are key parts of the race weekend experience. See beautiful clothes, makeup and adornments as you stroll through the F1® Paddock on a Guided Tour or dance along as a Mariachi band plays during a Pit Lane Walk. Take in the atmosphere and appreciate the history as you tap a flying lap around the circuit during a Guided Track Tour. Get a truly immersive experience in the grandstands where many fans will also be in attire meant to pay tribute to the holiday.

The decorations aren’t limited to the city blocks either, as Champions Club will also be transformed for the weekend, complete with a new look and feel meant to honour this significant holiday, plus all-inclusive hospitality featuring thoughtful menus crafted with local ingredients. 

Once the chequered flag falls on Sunday, you can step back into a city in the middle of one of its most important celebrations to continue your exploration and appreciation.

…and Beyond!

While lots of parades and events take place leading up to race weekend, there are still plenty of things to see and do following the end of racing sessions each day. As you explore, remember that these gatherings are deeply personal and should always be approached respectfully.  

The Gran Desfile de Día de los Muertos, one of the most recognisable parts of the local celebration, parades through the city centre on 31 October. Along Paseo de La Reforma, the Museo de Arte Popular displays floats and sculptures dedicated to the holiday through 8 November.

Historic cemeteries, including Panteón de San Fernando and Panteón Civil de Dolores, bring you into another aspect of the holiday as flowers and decorations honour those who have passed. Mega ofrendas can be seen at La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, and in the Zócalo Plaza. Both displays are typically the largest in the city! 

Visit Mercado de Jamaica, one of the city’s largest flower markets. During Día de los Muertos, huge quantities of marigolds, baby’s breath and chrysanthemums move through the market before making their way to altars, cemeteries and celebrations across Mexico City.

Head south to Xochimilco for a completely different view of Día de los Muertos. During the holiday period, nighttime journeys through the canals bring you past candlelit performances on decorated trajineras.

Secure Your Place in Mexico City 

Experience the action at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, then follow the marigolds beyond the circuit and make the most of everything Mexico City has to offer. Explore F1® Experiences Official Ticket Packages and start planning your Grand Prix™ weekend.

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