10 Traditional Day of the Dead Foods To Eat in Mexico
If you're visiting Mexico in November, make sure you are there for the Day of the Dead. Also known as Día de los Muertos, this colorful and lively fiesta actually takes place over two days every year, on November 1st and 2nd.
It's like a family reunion with the living and their deceased loved ones all invited. While it might sound frightful to those of us in the living world, Día de los Muertos celebrations are actually a delightful experience that includes lots of traditional foods.
Dia de Los Muertos Food Traditions
Traditional Day of the Dead foods on the ceremonial altar
Although the visual aspect and bright colors of this Mexican holiday are quite impressive, the traditional Day of the Dead foods are also an absolute dream.
Mexican cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and unique ingredients, and the dishes served during this time of year are no exception. There are many traditional Day of the Dead recipes to try. They range from sweet to savory, and some are only available in Mexico during this particular part of the year.
Mexican families will include the favorite foods of their deceased loved ones on their Day of the Dead menu. Some of the dishes will be on ceremonial altars that are festooned with marigolds and photos.
In the United States, I have heard friends call November 1st “All Saints Day” and November 2nd “All Souls Day.” But I've never witnessed any special food or marigold flowers being used to commemorate either day. On the other hand, Mexican families celebrate el Día de los Muertos with gusto. And the Day of the Dead food traditions are the best part!
Whether you’re celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico City, heading over to the foodie State of Oaxaca, or to the beaches of the Yucatan, here are some of the must-try Day of the Dead foods.
Traditional Day of the Dead Foods
1. Pan de Muerto
Pan de muerto, one of the most popular foods on Day of the Dead altars
This Mexican sweet bread, or "pan dulce," is one of the most popular foods at Day of the Dead festivities. The name "pan de muerto" translates into “bread of the dead.” But don't let that scare you off; pan de muerto is really a delicious treat that you won't want to pass up.
Sometimes these breads have sesame seeds or are made into a unique shape. However, this Day of the Dead bread is most typically made into a round loaf with a small ball on top, representing a skull. Its distinctive taste comes from the combination of orange zest or orange blossom water and anise seeds.
You can purchase pan de muerto at bakeries and markets all around Mexico during the Day of the Dead celebrations. It pairs perfectly with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate or coffee and is an ideal way to experience the traditional flavors of this special holiday.
If you'd like to learn how to make your own pan de muerto, Cardin Pasteleria in Mexico City holds classes this time of the year.
2. Calabaza en Tacha
Calabaza en Tacha, a traditional Mexican dessert made of candied pumpkin
This Día de los Muertos food is a popular dessert of candied pumpkin that dates back to pre-Hispanic times.
In the traditional recipe for Calabaza en Tacha, the pumpkin is first peeled and cut into small pieces. It is then boiled in water in a pot called a “tacha,” along with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and piloncillo until the pumpkin becomes soft and caramelized. Piloncillo is a brown unrefined raw sugar not to be confused with brown sugar.
The result is a tender sweet pumpkin sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Calabaza en Tacha is commonly served with a side of vanilla ice cream, which I highly recommend. You can also enjoy it with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.
3. Calavera
Sugar skulls, or calaveras, the most traditional Day of the Dead food, are more like works of art.
When it comes to Day of the Dead food in Mexico, “calaveras,” or sugar skulls, are a must. These skulls are perhaps the most traditional Day of the Dead food, but not all are intended to be eaten. They are made from white sugar and decorated with bright icing to create stunning works of art.
The process of creating sugar skulls involves mixing sugar, water, and meringue powder to produce a pliable dough. This dough is then molded into the shape of a skull and left to dry. After the skulls have dried, they are decorated with colorful icing and other decorative items like sequins or glitter. Now you know why they are not always consumed.
Sugar skulls are frequently used to pay tribute to departed loved ones. That is why calaveras are placed on Day of the Dead altars with photos of the deceased and the deceased's favorite foods.
You may join in the Mexican tradition and present a colorful sugar skull to friends and family members. As a significant food for Day of the Dead, calaveras will be easy to find at most markets all over Mexico.
4. Dulce de Alfeñique
Dulces de Alfeñique, traditional molded sugar candies for Day of the Dead
Another of the traditional Día de los Muertos foods, Dulce de Alfeñique is a typical candy for the festivities. It's made from cane sugar and is molded into different shapes such as skulls, animals, and flowers. BTW, these decorated skulls you can always eat!
Making these Day of the Dead treats is laborious and requires expertise. The sugar cane is boiled until it reaches the desired texture, then it is molded into various shapes and adorned with vibrant icing.
Dulce de Alfeñique is not just tasty but also has cultural significance. During the Day of the Dead, it is customary to present sugar skulls to honor and commemorate loved ones. These candy skulls are often personalized with the name of the deceased and are placed on the traditional altar alongside other offerings.
Pro Tip: Although you can find Dulce de Alfeñique in plenty of places, there’s an annual festival entirely dedicated to it in Metepec, which is a short drive from Mexico City.
5. Atole
Different flavors of the Mexican drink, atole
In addition to traditional Día de los Muertos food, we've included some of the special drinks for the festivities.
Atole is a customary Mexican drink prepared by mixing masa harina (corn flour) with water, milk, and sweeteners such as sugar and cinnamon. The outcome of this blend is a dense and velvety drink that has a slightly gritty texture that is akin to porridge.
Atole comes in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Some variations even include ingredients like nuts or fruit.
6. Mole
Mole, a Day of the Dead traditional food from Oaxaca
Mole is a Day of the Dead traditional food originally from Oaxaca. Mole is an intricate sauce that is produced by blending an abundance of different spices, chilies, and sometimes chocolate. It can take all day to make this traditional Mexican food, so families often begin preparing their mole at the end of October.
It is commonly served over chicken or turkey for el Día de los Muertos dishes. And although it may sound unusual, it is actually amazing! There are various types of mole, each with its distinct flavor profile. Some of the most popular types include the following:
Mole poblano is likely the most familiar type of mole. It is produced by combining chilies, spices, and chocolate and is commonly served over chicken or turkey. It is a trendy dish during Day of the Dead celebrations.
Mole negro is a darker and more indulgent version of mole, which is made using blackened chilies and a mixture of spices. It is frequently served over chicken or pork.
Mole amarillo is a yellow-colored mole that is produced by blending yellow chilies and spices. It is frequently served over chicken or fish.
7. Champurrado
Enjoy champurrado with sweet tamales for a typical Day of the Dead breakfast.
Champurrado is a traditional Mexican beverage that is prepared by blending masa harina, cinnamon, and piloncillo to create a thick hot chocolate.
This drink is commonly drunk in the morning or as an afternoon snack and pairs perfectly with the round bread known as pan de muerto and tamales. It can be made using either milk or water and can be customized to your preferences by adding additional spices or sweeteners.
8. Dulce de Tejocote
Dulce de Tejocote, a must-try Day of the Dead dessert in Mexico.
If you love sweets, then Dulce de Tejocote is a must-try dessert during the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. This traditional sweet treat is made with tejocote fruit, which is a small yellow-orange fruit that grows on trees in Mexico.
Dulce de Tejocote is made by boiling the fruit in a syrup made of cinnamon and sugar until it becomes delicate and tender. The result is a sweet and slightly tart dessert that is ideal for those who love sugary treats with just a touch of attitude.
Dulce de Tejocote can be found in most markets and food stalls. It is typically served for special occasions as a stand-alone dessert or used as a topping for other sweet treats like ice cream or cake.
9. Tamales
Tamales, one of the most traditional Mexican foods
Tamales are one of the most traditional Mexican foods and are a must-try Día de los Muertes dish for anyone visiting Mexico.
Tamales are prepared using masa (corn dough) and stuffed with a variety of fillings, including meats, cheese, vegetables, and chilies. Sweet tamales like "tamal de azucar" (sugar tamale) or those filled with raisins, nuts, or fruit are commonly eaten for breakfast or dessert.
Tamales are wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed until fully cooked. But don't eat the husks or the leaves—peel them off before taking a bite of the delicious fillings! Tamales are usually served with salsa or guacamole and are a popular breakfast or lunch dish.
One of the most popular types of tamales in Mexico is the tamal de mole. This tamale is stuffed with shredded chicken and coated with a rich and flavorsome mole sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices.
10. Flan de Caramelo
Flan de Caramelo, one of the best Day of the Dead desserts
If you've indulged in a dessert in a Mexican restaurant in the U.S. anywhere between New York and San Francisco, it was most likely Flan de Caramelo, or caramel flan. I've celebrated many birthdays blowing out a candle on this cream custard topped with caramel sauce.
Mexican folk lore says it's eaten during el Día de los Muertos to represent the sweetness of life. Whatever the reason, it's certainly one of the best Day of the Dead desserts!
Regional Foods of Day of the Dead
Mexican culture and cuisine varies from region to region. Here are a few differences among Day of the Dead foods from various parts of Mexico and some noteworthy delicacies to keep an eye out for.
Traditional Day of the Dead sweets
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is known for its mole. This is where it originated, and if you're in Oaxaca celebrating Day of the Dead, mole will be everywhere. Try all of the different variations!
Additionally, try tlayudas. These sizeable, crispy tortillas topped with beans, meat, and cheese are one of the best street foods in Oaxaca when you're hungry.
Michoacán
In Michoacán, you’ll find uchepos, which are similar to tamales but produced using fresh corn. They are usually accompanied by a side of beans and garnished with cheese.
Another renowned dish in Michoacán is corundas, which are tamales shaped like triangles and made using a particular type of corn.
Mexico City
Mexico City is famous for its street food, and during the Day of the Dead celebrations, tons of vendors sell customary dishes.
One of the popular dishes is tacos de lengua, which consists of tacos filled with soft beef tongue. One of my favorite foods is pozole. Very different from the New Mexican specialty, which is usually a side dish, Mexican pozole is a robust soup prepared using hominy and pork.
Yucatán
Yucatán's most famous food, cochinita pibil, is pork that is slow-cooked after being marinated in achiote paste and citrus juice. It is frequently served with tortillas and pickled onions. Another well-known dish in Yucatán is sopa de lima, a zesty soup made using chicken and lime juice.
Day of the Dead Food Festivals
If you’re a true foodie, you may want to plan your entire trip around the many food festivals in order to indulge in the Day of the Dead food and drink! Here are a few of my favorites.
Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City
Festival de las Calaveras, Aguascalientes
One of the most popular food festivals during the Day of the Dead is the Festival de las Calaveras (Festival of Skulls) in Aguascalientes. This festival features food, music, art, and cultural events, and is a great place to try traditional dishes like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls).
Festival De los Moles, Oaxaca
Oaxaca is huge when it comes to observing Day of the Dead, and you’ll find a variety of food festivals around the date. One of the most popular ones is the Festival de los Moles, where you’ll find a huge variety of mole dishes created out of complex blends of spices and other ingredients.
Festival de las Almas, Mexico City
If you're in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead, be sure to check out the Festival de las Almas (Festival of Souls) in the historic neighborhood of San Ángel, south of the city. This festival is known for its food, music, and art, and it is a great place to try traditional dishes like tamales and atole.
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