- October 16, 2025
- Festivals
- Raquel Montoro, Christophe Durastanti
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From Mexico to Paris: A Celebration Beyond Borders
Looking for where to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Paris this year? From lively parades to traditional altars, the French capital fully embraces the Mexican spirit of this beloved holiday.
While the Ubaye Valley in the French Alps hosts the largest Day of the Dead festival in France, Paris has become the next best destination for visitors seeking the colours, flavours, and performances of this unique tradition.
For Theatre in Paris, it’s also the perfect opportunity to showcase how international art and cultural rituals come alive in the city. Accessible even if you don’t speak French.
What Is Día de los Muertos? A Celebration of Life, Not Mourning
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a joyful holiday where families welcome the souls of their loved ones back to Earth. Homes and public spaces are decorated with altars (ofrendas) covered in marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and favourite foods of the departed.
Far from a time of mourning, it’s a festive remembrance filled with music, colour, and community.
In contrast, France’s Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) on November 1 is a quieter tradition focused on cemetery visits and chrysanthemums. Experiencing Día de los Muertos in Paris therefore offers a completely different cultural perspective, transforming remembrance into a celebration of life.
The Ubaye Valley Festival: France’s Biggest Day of the Dead
If you’re searching for the largest Día de los Muertos festival in France, head to the Ubaye Valley in Barcelonnette. This Alpine town, influenced by 19th-century Mexican immigrants, turns into a hub of vibrant parades, skull costumes, music, and workshops every fall.
But if you can’t make the trip to the Alps, Paris has become the best city to experience Día de los Muertos celebrations without leaving the capital.
Día de los Muertos Paris 2025: Main Events You Can’t Miss
So, where to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Paris? Here are the top events for October–November 2025:
- Jardin d’Acclimatation (4 Oct – 2 Nov 2025): One of the biggest Día de los Muertos events in Paris, this family-friendly celebration includes parades, live mariachi music, workshops, face painting, and authentic Mexican food stalls. The entire park is decorated in bright colours, making it perfect for photos and family outings.
See the event calendar here. - Mexican Cultural Associations in Paris: Local Mexican communities organize altars, folkloric dances, craft workshops, and intimate gatherings. These smaller events give travellers a chance to experience authentic traditions up close.
Just as Theatre in Paris opens the world of French theatre to international audiences, these Día de los Muertos celebrations bring Mexican culture to Paris, bridging traditions across borders.
Mexican Talent on a Famous Parisian Stage in 2025
Celebrating Mexican culture in Paris extends beyond street festivals. Mexican artists frequently perform in the city’s world-class venues.
For instance, tenor Joshua Guerrero (Mexican-America) will appear in La Bohème, at the Opéra Bastille in 2025, bringing Mexican talent to one of Paris’ most iconic stages.
Just like Theatre in Paris helps international audiences enjoy French theatre without language barriers, performers like Guerrero highlight Paris’s role as a crossroads of global artistry.
Mexican Culture in Paris All Year Long
If you fall in love with Día de los Muertos in Paris, don’t worry, Mexican art and culture thrive in the city year-round:
- Instituto Cultural de México: Regular exhibitions, talks, and events promoting Mexican heritage.
- MIRA Latino Art Fair (13 – 16 Nov, 2025): Regular exhibitions, talks, and events promoting Mexican heritage.
- Viva Mexico! Rencontres Cinématographiques: A Mexican film festival that screens contemporary cinema every year in Paris.
These events prove that Paris offers a continuous connection to Mexican culture, not just during Día de los Muertos.
Final Thoughts: Paris as a Cultural Crossroads
While Día de los Muertos remains a deeply Mexican tradition, Paris provides a unique platform where it can be experienced in a new light. From family-friendly parades at Jardin d’Acclimatation to international opera stars on stage, the French capital celebrates life, memory, and culture in its own way.
So if you’re in Paris this fall, don’t miss the chance to join a parade, see a decorated altar, or taste pan de muerto. And for another unforgettable cultural experience, explore Theatre in Paris shows, where you can enjoy theatre without worrying about language barriers.
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