In Mexican culture, death is celebrated as much as life. Every year on November 1 and 2, cemeteries in Mexico are dyed orange and the graves of the dead are filled with cempasúchil flowers, candles, and papel picado of all colors. Dìa de Muertos is an ancient and particularly heartfelt tradition that soon spread to other countries, brought by those who left Mexico. Even in Milan, the Mexican community and independent locales organize parades and parties to celebrate this tradition.
Dìa de Muertos Parade in Piazza Duomo.
Given the great success of past years, a parade to celebrate Dìa de Muertos will also be held in Milan in 2025. On Sunday, Nov. 2, starting at 6:45 p.m., thousands of participants will parade through the main streets of the city dressed in traditional clothes to celebrate the holiday that honors the dead. Giant skulls, mariachis, the Catrina… It will be a truly crazy event! The procession will meet in Piazza San Babila starting at 6:30 p.m. and then leave about 15 minutes later in the direction of Piazza Castello, which will be the final destination.
Participation is completely free, but if you want to be part of the procession you will need to register and come dressed as the characteristic masks of the festival.
The full route: Piazza San Babila – Corso Vittorio Emanuele – Piazza Duomo – Piazza dei Mercanti – Piazza Cordusio – Via Dante – Piazza Cairoli – Via Beltrami – Piazza Castello.
Dìa de los Muertos-themed concerts and parties.
In Milan, celebrations dedicated to Día de Muertos and Halloween are not limited to fancy dress parades: parties and concerts also continue in theaters and clubs around the city, with special themed events. On a slightly more terrifying note, a candlelight concert reinterpreting Warner Bros. horror movie soundtracks will be staged on November 2 at the San Fedele Auditorium. A scary show, suitable only for the brave.
As for parties, Santeria Toscana 31 is hosting a Dìa de Muertos-themed evening in collaboration with Espolòn. On Saturday, Nov. 1, starting at 7 p.m. there will be a completely free DJ set with Go Dugong, Clap!Clap!, Wiqha and Quilombo. On Nov. 1, however, Giardino Dei Visionari brings all the colors of this holiday to Milan’s Apollo Club. An evening of Mexican music and culture, with ofrendas, mariachi and tarot as well as a killer DJ set.
Where to eat Mexican in Milan?
For a total immersion in Mexican culture, we recommend trying the typical cuisine at one of the following restaurants:
- MAG La Pusterla: located in the Sant’Ambrogio area, here on Nov. 2 you can embark on a Mexican-inspired tasting journey: four Altos tequila-based cocktails, each accompanied by its own tacos.
- Casazul: here you can try pan de muertos, typical of Dìa de Muertos, as well as enjoy exceptional tamales and tacos.
- La Parrilla Mexicana: a must, dinner show every Tuesday and Sunday
- Mezca: authentic flavors, colorful venue and mariachi hats for everyone
- Chihuahua Tacos: obviously their forte is the tacos, but leave a space for dessert…. Trust us!
- La Piedra del Sol: easygoing restaurant, hearty and delicious dishes
What to do this weekend in Milan?
Milan is preparing to celebrate All Saints’ Day, Halloween and Dìa de los Muertos weekend with a wide range of events for all ages. From events dedicated to the whole family, such as the atmospheric “Pumpkin Patch” in Nerviano and Vimodrone and HalLEOween in Leolandia, to adult options such as the Ghost Tour in Milan. And you, what plans do you have for this terrifying weekend?