Oaxaca is still a lively place to go to take in the sights and sounds of Los Días de los Muertos. Everyone in the city of Oaxaca gets into the spirit. Most of the stores and restaurants construct altars that reflect the joy of welcoming back the spirits of the dead.

All the markets (Benito Juarez, 20 de Noviembre and the Abastos are full of pan de muerto, chocolate, sugar skulls and toys to decorate the altars. In fact all the markets in Oaxaca are extremely festive this time of year as they are full of marigolds and celosia for decorating the graves and the altars.

Before and after I went out to Teotitlan del Valle I spent time in the city of Oaxaca. On my first day there were school children dressed up as calaveras (skeletons) that paraded throughout the streets with live music all day long. Later on in the afternoon a calenda with the China Oaxquenas came up M. Alcala followed by a Danza de La Pluma group. There was never a dull moment. On November 5th Lila Downs performed at the Guelaguetza Auditorium. I even got in a mini-performance of the Danza de la Pluma when I was out in Teotitlan del Valle. Oaxaca is such a great place to visit no matter what time of year you happen to be there as evidenced by the photos taken in 2012!