Every year as October turns to November, Sayulita changes color. Papel picado flutters over the streets, orange cempasúchil (marigolds) fill the plaza, and painted catrina faces show up everywhere you look. Día de Muertos has arrived, and with it, the official start of high season.

It’s one of the most beautiful times of year to be in town. It’s also one of the most meaningful for the local families who call Sayulita home. Here’s what the celebration is about, what’s happening this year and how to be part of it the right way.

What Is Día de Muertos?

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away. It isn’t a sad occasion, and it isn’t Mexican Halloween. It’s a homecoming. Families believe that for these few days, the spirits of their loved ones return to visit, and they welcome them back with food, flowers, music and memories.

Traditionally, November 1 honors children who have died, and November 2 honors adults.

The Ofrenda: An Altar for Loved Ones

At the heart of Día de Muertos is the ofrenda, an altar built to welcome the spirits home. Each one is personal, but you’ll see many of the same elements:

• Photos of the person being remembered
• Cempasúchil (marigolds), whose color and scent help guide spirits home
• Candles to light the way
• Water for the spirits after their long journey
• Pan de muerto, a sweet bread made just for the season
• Sugar skulls, often with names written across the forehead
• Papel picado, delicate cut-paper banners
• Favorite foods, drinks and personal items of the loved one

When you walk past an ofrenda, take a moment to look closely. Every object was chosen for a reason.

La Catrina

The elegant skeleton lady in a wide feathered hat is La Catrina, one of the most recognizable symbols of Día de Muertos. She’s a reminder that death comes for everyone, rich or poor. During the celebrations, you’ll see locals and visitors alike with their faces painted catrina-style. If you want to join in, face painters usually set up around the plaza.

What’s Happening in Sayulita This Year

October 31 – November 2: Surf Contest

The Día de Muertos surf contest runs all three days at Sayulita Main Beach. Grab a spot on the sand and cheer on the riders.

October 31: Día de Muertos Parade

The parade kicks off at 6 pm on Saturday, October 31. Expect catrinas, music, horses and plenty of color winding through town.

November 1: Altars and the Cemetery

Spend the evening walking around the plaza to see the altars and decorations. Families, schools and local businesses put real heart into them, and each one tells a story.

Later that night (time TBA, usually around midnight), many locals walk to the Sayulita cemetery, tucked into the jungle near Playa de los Muertos, to be with their loved ones. The graves are cleaned, decorated with flowers and lit by candles.

November 2: Awards and Closing

• Final day of the surf competition
• Award ceremony for the surf competitors at the plaza (time TBA)
• Award ceremony for the best altar at the plaza (time TBA)

We’ll share confirmed times on the SayulitaLife calendar as soon as we have them.

How to Celebrate Respectfully

Visitors are welcome to take part in Día de Muertos, and many locals love sharing the tradition. A few simple guidelines go a long way:

• Remember what it’s for. For local families, this is a time to honor loved ones they’ve lost. Behind every altar is someone who is missed.
• Be especially mindful at the cemetery. This is a private, emotional moment for families. Keep your voice low, give people space and stay on the paths.
• Ask before taking photos of people, especially families at graves.
• Don’t touch or move anything on an ofrenda.
• It’s a celebration, not a costume party. Catrina face paint is welcome; party costumes are better saved for another night.

Make It a Trip

Día de Muertos is a wonderful reason to plan a fall getaway to Sayulita and the Riviera Nayarit. The weather is cooling donw for the season, the town is buzzing and you’ll get to experience one of Mexico’s most important traditions in a small, welcoming community.

Looking for a place to stay? Browse Sayulita vacation rentals on SayulitaLife and contact owners directly, with no booking fees and lowest prices guaranteed.

¡Feliz Día de Muertos!

All photos are by the talented Laurita Polvorilla.
See more of her work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauritapolvorillaphoto/
or, Schedule a shoot with Laurita: https://www.sayulitalife.com/business/laurita-photography