The streets and squares of León begin to fill with cempasúchil flowers, monumental skulls, and traditional elements with the start of the 2026 Day of the Dead Festival, It is a celebration that seeks to keep Mexican customs alive and offer spaces for families to get together.
The municipal president, Ale Gutiérrez, He led the lighting of the special illumination of the Municipal Presidency, which for the first time features decorations in honor of Day of the Dead, thus marking the official start of the festivities.
During the ceremony, the mayor highlighted the importance of strengthening these celebrations while keeping in mind León’s identity and history, recognizing the generations that have contributed to building the city.
This year, the decorations include 138 ornamental pieces, among which stand out eight monumental skulls, figurines of alfeñique, lanterns, flags and arrangements of cempasúchil flowers.
The facilities can be seen at four of León's most representative sites: the Main Square, Founders Square, the Plaza del Expiatorio and the Arco de la Calzada. These spaces will offer residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy tours and take photographs in settings inspired by Mexican traditions.
For his part, María Fernanda Rodríguez González, Secretary for the Economic Revitalization of León, He highlighted that these initiatives also allow for the promotion of tourism, the recovery of public spaces, and the recognition of the traditional trades of the city, through figures representing characters such as organillers and boleros.
The Alfeñique Fair celebrates its 41st anniversary
One of the main attractions of the season is the Alfeñique Fair, which celebrates its 41st edition with the participation of 109 artisans, who offer their products from October 9 to November 2 at Plaza Fundadores.
Visitors can find the traditional sugar figurines, typical sweets, papel picado, pan de muerto, votivos, incense and ceramic items, among other elements used to make mortuary altars.
The fair, which began in 1985 with just eight participants, has become one of the most representative celebrations of the Historical Center, in addition to being an opportunity to preserve the artisan knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation.
During the event, Ale Gutiérrez recognized the dedication and creativity of the local artisans, while Mario Silva Vázquez, one of the city's first alfajía merchants, recalled the challenges this tradition has faced and thanked the support received to keep it alive.
As a complement to the commercial activity, Plaza Fundadores will have artistic performances on the days 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30 from October.
More than 200 activities to celebrate Day of the Dead
The 2026 Day of the Dead Festival will offer a program of 200 cultural and recreational activities that will be held in various points of the municipality.
Among the proposals are night tours and film screenings at the Pantheon of San Nicolás, the Caminata de las Ánimas (Procession of the Souls), the catrina parades and the production of sawdust mats.
The celebrations will reach seven municipal delegations, as well as parks, public spaces and the León Zoo, with the intention of allowing more families to participate and enjoy the activities.
With this programming, León seeks to strengthen its cultural identity, promote the work of artisans, and keep alive one of Mexico’s most significant traditions, while inviting residents and tourists to explore the city and remember those who are no longer with us.
