Day of the Dead Celebrations Draw Crowds, Sparking Overtourism Concerns

Mexico's annual Day of the Dead celebrations, a time of remembrance and reunion with deceased loved ones, are drawing significant attention and crowds, prompting discussions about overtourism in several regions.

The festivities, which begin in October and culminate on November 1 and 2, are characterized by vibrant orange marigolds, flickering candles, and faces painted as the iconic skeletal figures known as catrinas. These traditions have roots in pre-Hispanic agricultural beliefs, later blending with Catholic customs after the Spanish conquest in 1521.

Major parades now fill Mexico City's main avenues, while streets, businesses, and markets are adorned with cempasúchil, or Mexican marigold flowers, believed to guide the spirits of the dead. Bakeries feature traditional pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, and families create altars in their homes with offerings of food, treats, and mezcal, alongside photographs of their departed relatives.

As the tradition gains international spotlight, some areas like Oaxaca and Michoacan are experiencing an influx of tourists. In Mexico City, a parade that emerged after being featured in the 2015 James Bond film "Spectre" has drawn skepticism from some locals, as it was not an original part of the celebration.

On Janitzio, a small island in Michoacan's lake, authorities closed the island's pantheon to tourists for the first time. This measure was implemented by the community council after increased visitor numbers led to damage to tombs, crosses, and the cemetery's perimeter wall. Access was restricted to local families and friends of those buried there. The island's cultural practices were recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.