Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a very magical time of year and a special time for many of us as we remember our loved ones and spend time in their memory. I get a lot of emails asking me where to go in Oaxaca during Day of the Dead, so I thought a blog post was in order. The following is just an idea, and can help you if all the choices get overwhelming.

From about mid October: Walk the streets, spotting well-dressed skeletons everywhere; a colourful display of death. Many shops and museums also have altars in the doorways and some streets will a have displays of sand sculptures of skeletons and other deathly scenes.

Head to the markets, particularly Mercado Benito Juarez just south of the zocalo, to find a whole plethora of altar decorations. You’ll notice sugar skulls, amaranth and chocolate skulls, incense burners and copal resin, papel picado (Mexican colourful flags) with skeletons cut out of them. Head to the flower section, guided by the strong smell of marigold to find these orange flowers that Mexican’s call Cempazuchitl and the deep purple and velvety feeling Cresta del Gallo. Further on in the bread section you will find pan de muerto, sweet varieties of bread covered in sugar and a slightly more savoury version with little heads stuck on them to look like people popping out of the bread.

Grab yourself some hot chocolate and pan de muerto for a warm, sweet treat on these cold Muertos nights.

31st October: Cemetery at Xoxocotlan

The cemetery in Xoxo (pronounced Hoho) is a very popular place for tourists and has become quite busy in the last few years. Nevertheless if you can brave the crowds and also if you might feel more comfortable in a place very used to tourists, this is a good option. The graves are decorated by the families of the departed and candles are lit as they sit by the graveside in a night-time vigil. It makes for a beautiful sight.

1st November, Daytime: Panteon General

Late in the day, I would recommend heading the Panteon General, the cemetery in the centre of Oaxaca. You will find graves, beautifully decorated and be able to walk around and see them in the daylight. As the light begins to drop you can enjoy the ethereal site of the candles being lit in the niches, and you might even hear an orchestra play. On the 31st there is also the most incredible display of intricate altars around the walkways of the pantheon.

1st November, Early evening: Atzompa

Head to the small town of Atzompa, just outside of central Oaxaca and you will find a graveyard in the process of being decorated (families continue to head to the cemetery through the night). Beautiful graves, lit with candles are attended by local families, who sit around them, spending time with their family members in the world and beyond it. Atzompa, is a quieter more sombre affair, although last year there was a sound system with music later in the evening.

1st November, Evening: San Agustin, Etla

To see some of the most impressively gruesome costumes you have ever seen, head out to San Agustin Etla (about 30 minutes by cab from the centre, along the road out to Mexico City). If you get there early you will see all the people in their costumes convening at the church and starting to dance. Drink a hot punch as you explore the churchyard, marvelling at the costumes. As the night draws in and the mezcal begins to flow, the party here really starts. Be warned the party goes on until the very small hours.

NB: When I went here a few years ago, getting back wasn’t so easy. You may want to organise for a taxi to pick you up at a designated time if you don’t want to stay for the whole party.

2nd November, Daytime: Plaza de la Danza

Go to check out the large sand sculptures that decorate Plaza de la Danza each year. They are colourful and large scales depictions of skeletons and the like and are very impressive.

Throughout the three days

Last year between 31stOctober-2nd November there were colourful images set to music projected onto a number of the churches, including Santo Domingo, so if that is also on this year it is worth a visit.

You will probably also find yourself caught up in a parade or two between the 31st and 2nd, if you are in and around the centre. Have your camera ready!

For more information specific to 2015, check out Que Pasa Oaxaca

Want to make your own altar for Day of the Dead? Here is my how to guide.

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Susannah Rigg is a freelance writer and Mexico specialist. Her work has been featured in BBC Travel, CNN Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, AFAR and The Independent among others. Check out her portfolio here. Contact Susannah by email, info [at] mexicoretold [dot] com and join her on Instagram and Twitter.