Guaymas will celebrate Día de Muertos with the 24th annual Festival de la Calaca on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, 2026, in downtown Guaymas.
Originally scheduled for October 30 and 31, the festival was postponed following heavy rains and flooding in Guaymas. The new dates have been confirmed by the City of Guaymas.
This colourful, family-friendly celebration honours Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions with beautiful altars, elaborate Catrín and Catrina costumes, a traditional procession, live music, dance performances, art and cultural activities.
Admission is free, and festivities begin at 6:00pm. The main performances and competitions take place at Plaza 13 de Julio in downtown Guaymas, with additional activities planned around the historic downtown area.
Festival de la Calaca 2026 Program
The City of Guaymas has released the official program for November 6 and 7, confirming the procession, live entertainment, traditional competitions and cultural performances. Here’s what you can look forward to!
Friday, November 6 – Procession, Music and Cultural Performances
The festivities begin with the traditional Día de Muertos procession through downtown Guaymas. Participants are invited to dress in traditional Catrín and Catrina costumes and join the colourful celebration.
- 6:00pm – Día de Muertos Procession: Departing from Casa de la Cultura “Edmundo Valadés” and finishing at Avenida Serdán and Calle 23. Everyone is invited to participate.
- 7:30pm – Official Opening Ceremony: The festival officially opens in downtown Guaymas.
- 7:45pm – Traditional Dance: Performance by Tutuli Jiak Jiapsy at the main stage in Plaza 13 de Julio.
- 8:15pm – Live Music: Performance by Con Ton y Son.
- 8:45pm – Cantemos por la Paz: Musical performances by participants in the Cantemos por la Paz singing competition.
Saturday, November 7 – Catrina Contest, Altars and Live Music
Saturday’s festivities continue with music, traditional competitions and the highly anticipated Catrín and Catrina costume contest.
- 6:00pm – Cuarteto Brasswing: Live musical performance.
- 6:30pm – Calaveritas Literarias Awards: Winners of the traditional literary competition, featuring humorous poems about death, are recognized.
- 7:00pm – Catrín and Catrina Costume Competition: Watch participants parade in elaborate costumes, colourful face paint and traditional Day of the Dead attire.
- 8:20pm – Altar Competition Awards: Recognition of the winning Día de Muertos altars.
- 8:30pm – Catrín and Catrina Awards: Announcement of the costume competition winners.
- 9:00pm – Grupo Retro: Live music to close the festival.
The main performances and competitions are scheduled for Plaza 13 de Julio. Additional art exhibitions and cultural activities were included in the original festival plans for Plaza de la Pistola and surrounding downtown streets.
Celebrating Día de Muertos in Guaymas
Festival de la Calaca is one of Guaymas’ traditional cultural celebrations, bringing families, artists and visitors together to honour departed loved ones and preserve Mexican customs.
One of the festival’s most striking attractions is the display of ofrendas (altars), decorated with marigolds, candles, photographs, food and personal mementos to remember those who have passed away.
The Catrín and Catrina costume competition is another highlight, with participants wearing elegant clothing, elaborate hats and intricate skull-inspired makeup.
Visitors can also enjoy music, dance and artistic performances that celebrate the region’s cultural heritage.
Festival Location, Dates and Admission
Dates: Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, 2026
Starting time: 6:00pm
Main venue: Plaza 13 de Julio, Calle 23 and Avenida XV, downtown Guaymas
Admission: Free
Please note: The festival was rescheduled due to the October 30 rains. Although organizers have indicated that the original program will be maintained, individual activities and times may be subject to change.
For official event information, visit the Guaymas–San Carlos Tourism Office’s Festival de la Calaca page.
Video: Día de Muertos in Guaymas
Enjoy a look at previous Día de Muertos celebrations in Guaymas and Halloween festivities in San Carlos in the video below.
