10 Things to Do in Mexico City in November
Mexico City in November is a true feast for the senses. Starting with the Day of the Dead celebrations, it is a month full of proposals to enjoy in this unique destination in the world.
All year round there are many things to see and do in Mexico City, but November is undoubtedly one of the most exciting months, with a wide variety of activities you can enjoy during your stay: from the fascinating Day of the Dead celebrations to food, music and art festivals that combine tradition and modernity.
So, if you are looking to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, enjoy its delicious cuisine, admire its art and historic architecture or just have a good time, here are the 10 best things to do in Mexico City during the eleventh month of the year, with something for everyone.
1. Day of the Dead in Mexico City: a unique celebration that honors the dead and celebrates life
The Day of the Dead is one of the most important traditions in the country, celebrated every year on November 1 and 2. But the celebrations begin earlier, since October in Mexico City, the ofrendas begin to be seen and important parades are held. The Day of the Dead is a holiday especially rich in symbolism and rituals, and is a unique opportunity to honor the dead in a very special way.
That is why the cemeteries become places full of life and color, and the tombs are decorated with flowers, candles and other elements. Offerings are also built with marigold flowers, candles, incense and personal objects of the deceased, which are displayed in homes, businesses and streets. Likewise, museums and cultural spaces build their Megaofrendas, which can be seen at their headquarters and in public spaces throughout the city.
One of the most spectacular traditions of the Day of the Dead is the candlelight procession, which takes place on the night of November 1, when thousands of people walk through the streets carrying lighted candles in homage to the deceased.
In addition, in some parts of the city, theatrical performances known as Las Calaveras take place, which tell stories about death and life with a mixture of humor and satire. There are also parades of costumes and masks, which are all a display of creativity and joy; and literary skull contests with live music. It is an ideal time to take a bicycle tour around the CDMX and appreciate all the colorfulness of this celebration.
2. Attend a unique display of traditions and music in Mexico's November 20th parade
The November 20th parade in Mexico City is a historic event that celebrates the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with an exhibition of Mexican culture, music and traditions in all their splendor.
It is an event where you will see uniforms and traditional costumes, military maneuvers, amazing aerial acrobatics, and a variety of groups, from the armed forces to students, dancers and artists, each showing their passion for their country and their roots. The tour is throughout the historic center, the best place to start a tour of Mexico City.
The November 20th parade in Mexico is a unique opportunity for you to experience the vibrant Mexican culture and passion for its history, being part of a celebration with a lot of meaning for Mexicans.
3. Celebrate the anniversary of La Mexicana Park in the middle of nature
La Mexicana Park is one of the most outstanding green spaces in Mexico City, with extensive green areas, children's gardens, canine garden, lakes and sports areas. Every year in November, a big celebration is held to commemorate its inauguration anniversary.
During the anniversary celebration of La Mexicana Park, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities and special events. From outdoor concerts, theater and dance performances, to games and activities for children and adults.
In addition to the annual celebration, the park is open to the public every day. Visiting the park is one of the best things to do in Mexico City, as it offers many outdoor entertainment options for all ages and tastes. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic with friends and family, take a stroll or just relax in a natural environment, La Mexicana Park is a destination not to be missed.
4. Get a head start on the magic of Christmas at Six Flags Christmas in the Park
If you are a lover of the holiday season, Christmas in the Park at Six Flags is a unique experience to start celebrating the holidays. This annual event begins in November and transforms the entire park into a magical world filled with Christmas lights and decorations. It is one of the best things to do at Christmas time in Mexico City.
To enjoy Christmas in the Park, it is important to buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Also, be sure to dress warmly as it is winter in Mexico, and although it is not very cold, temperatures can be low.
The light show on the main street of the park is certainly an experience that will leave you with your mouth open. There you can meet Santa Claus and his elves, enjoy themed activities for the younger members of the family and thrilling rides like the Holiday in the Park roller coaster.
More information about the park
- Location: Picacho Ajusco highway kilometer 1.5, Jardines del Ajusco, Tlalpan, CDMX.
- Admission fee: 47 € per person approximately.
5. Have a drink of Mexican culture at the Pulque Fair at Metro Tlatelolco
If you're looking for an authentic and exciting experience in Mexico City, you can't miss the Pulque Fair at Metro Tlatelololco. This annual celebration, which usually takes place in late November or early December in CDMX, pays homage to one of Mexico' s oldest and most revered beverages: pulque.
When you arrive at the Pulque Fair, you will be immersed in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with live music, folkloric dances and many stands offering a wide variety of pulque of different flavors and blends.
From the classic natural pulque to the most innovative flavors such as tamarind, guava and pineapple, there are flavors for all tastes. If you are not a fan of the strong taste of pulque, don't worry, you can also try a curado, a mixture of pulque with fresh fruit juices that softens the flavor.
Not only the drink is the star of the fair, but also the food, as you can delight yourself with tacos de pastor, tamales, enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes, while enjoying live music and dance, or wrestling shows, among others.
6. Take advantage of the Buen Fin discounts in Mexico City
In Mexico there is a very special weekend that everyone looks forward to: it is the Buen Fin, a commercial initiative that has been celebrated since 2011 during the long weekend that includes the Mexican Revolution Day, which is November 20.
The Buen Fin is a unique opportunity to take advantage of discounts and incredible deals on a wide variety of products, services and entertainment. It is the ideal time to take advantage of a gastronomic tour of Mexico City. Both large stores and commercial chains as well as small local businesses offer special promotions and discounts for this date.
To get the most out of the Buen Fin it is important that you find out about all the offers and discounts available before making your purchases. I recommend that you hire a bus tour around the city with free stops to move around more comfortably, as you will get to know the most emblematic places of the city.
7. Explore the literary universe of FILIJ
If you are a lover of literature and adventure, you should know that the International Children's and Young People's Book Fair (FILIJ) is the literary event you can't miss. For more than 40 years, FILIJ has been the meeting point for readers, authors and creativity. In November, FILIJ opens its doors in different venues in Mexico City to offer you a unique experience full of storytelling, workshops, book presentations, shows and much more.
FILIJ is not just a book fair, it is a universe of discoveries where characters come to life and illustrations take you to magical worlds. The main venue of FILIJ is the National Center for the Arts (CENART), a cultural space that will surprise you with its modern architecture and gardens full of art and life. But FILIJ also extends to other venues, including some of the best museums in Mexico City.
FILIJ lasts about a week, so if you are in Mexico City during those 7 days and want to immerse yourself in the magic of books, it will be a great opportunity! In addition, all the events of the festival are free.
8. Discover the fantastic flight of the monarch butterflies
If you are a nature lover or have a special interest in wildlife, you can't miss the monarch butterfly sanctuaries, located just 2 hours from Mexico City. The season to visit them is from November to March in Mexico City, which is when the monarch butterflies return to their home in the north of the continent.
When you visit these butterfly sanctuaries, you will be amazed by the millions of monarch butterflies that congregate in the oyamel trees, creating an impressive sight of vibrant and colorful wings. In addition, you will be able to admire the beautiful vegetation and feel the peace that emanates from this sanctuary.
To fully enjoy your visit, I recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear for walking. It is important to respect the rules of the sanctuaries, especially not to touch the butterflies, as they are delicate creatures that deserve to be treated with care and respect. Without a doubt, visiting these sanctuaries is one of the best excursions you can do from CDMX.
9. Discover all that Morbido Fest has for you
Would you like to immerse yourself in a unique and terrifying experience? Then Morbido Fest is the perfect place for you. This genre film and culture festival is held annually in Mexico City and is one of the most important in Latin America. If you are a lover of horror, science fiction and fantasy, you can't miss this opportunity.
Morbido Fest takes place in various venues in the city, where films, short films, documentaries and other audiovisual works are presented. In addition, there is a wide variety of parallel activities such as talks, round tables, workshops and exhibitions, so there will always be something interesting to do.
If you want to attend the festival, I recommend you keep an eye on the dates, as it usually takes place from late October in CDMX until early November. You can purchase your ticket online or at the ticket offices of the venues. Remember that some performances have limited capacity, so it is important that you plan your visit in advance.
More information
- Interesting fact: only people over 18 years of age may attend C-rated performances.
- Ticket prices depend on the venue you wish to attend.
10. Experience MUTEK MX: the fusion of electronic music and digital art
If you are looking for an experience that takes you to the limit of your senses, MUTEK MX is perfect for you. It is a festival that fuses electronic music and digital art to create a multi-sensory experience that you will love. It usually takes place in November or October.
The festival lasts several days and takes place in different venues in Mexico City, such as theaters, museums and cultural centers. It is one of the best things to do in Mexico City at night, so I recommend you check the festival's schedule so you can plan your visit and not miss your favorite artists.
Of course, at MUTEK MX you will find much more than just music and digital art. The festival also offers interactive workshops, conferences and exhibitions, where you can learn more about the latest trends and technologies in electronic music and digital art. In addition, you will be able to interact with industry experts and other music and art enthusiasts.
More information about the event
- Interesting fact: some of the experiences are for ages 10 and over, and others are for ages 18 and over.
- Price: MUTEK MX is a fee-based event, with prices ranging from approximately EUR 16 to EUR 150. Tickets can be purchased through the festival's website or other authorized points of sale. It is always best to buy them in advance, as they can sell out quickly.