October 29 – November 4, 2025
October 29 – November 4, 2026

Our Oaxaca “Day of the Dead” Festival Photo Tour is one of our most unique and sought-after experiences, a seven-day immersion into one of Mexico’s most cherished and colorful traditions. Designed around the annual festival, this tour fills up quickly as Oaxaca transforms into a vibrant celebration of life, memory, and artistry. Book today to reserve your place in this unforgettable cultural experience!

This tour is an unparalleled opportunity to witness and photograph Oaxaca’s rich and evocative Day of the Dead festivities. You’ll see locals of all ages dressed as Catrinas (iconic skeleton faces), adorned in elaborate masks, costumes, and makeup, each detail a testament to the artistry and cultural pride of the region. From the vivid Catrina skeletons to ornate face paints, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the incredible skill and creativity of the community—a feast for any photographer’s lens.

Beyond the pageantry, you’ll experience profound moments as families gather to honor loved ones, offering heartfelt tributes at beautifully decorated cemeteries. Photographing families as they prepare altars or gather in cemeteries gives an intimate, documentary-style view into the personal significance of the festival. This powerful blend of ceremony, emotion, and tradition gives photographers a rare chance to capture moments that celebrate both life and memory. The interplay of candlelight, shadows, and altars creates striking contrasts—perfect for experimenting with advanced photography techniques as you capture the very soul of Oaxaca.

Markets and Mezcal: The Flavors of Oaxaca
No journey to Oaxaca is complete without a visit to the bustling markets, where locals prepare for the Day of the Dead with vibrant displays of flowers, candles, and traditional foods. Here, you’ll gain firsthand insight into Oaxaca’s rich traditions and rituals, capturing the lively colors and unique energy of the season. These bustling stalls offer an abundance of textures and colors, perfect for both candid and staged street photography.

Street vendors and traditional dishes, like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and mole, present perfect opportunities for food photography that tells a story. The preparation, colors, and textures of these foods offer insight into the culinary traditions integral to the festival.

A highlight of the tour includes a mezcal-making experience! We’ll visit a local distillery to see the mezcal process and photograph the agave fields that are integral to Oaxaca’s famed spirit. This adds an exciting cultural dimension—and fun photo opportunity—to the tour!

More Than a Photo Tour, a Cultural Journey
This tour is crafted to offer more than just stunning photographs—it’s a deep dive into Oaxaca’s culture, people, and heritage. Our small-group format ensures you have ample space and time to capture intimate shots, while our carefully curated itinerary places you in the best locations for unforgettable photography at the perfect time of day. With our carefully chosen accommodation and thoughtfully curated itinerary, PWA ensures you’re ideally positioned to capture and experience Oaxaca at its best.

With expertly curated access, we’ll guide you to exclusive photo opportunities that capture the soul of this festival. You’ll return with breathtaking images and personal connections and memories that resonate far beyond the camera. With limited spots and only one opportunity per year, this tour fills quickly.

Don’t miss out—reserve your place now for an unforgettable photography adventure from October 29 – November 4, 2025, at the heart of Mexico’s “Day of the Dead” celebrations!

Register Today: Oaxaca “Day of the Dead” Photo Adventure

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