Festival de Calaveras de Aguascalientes

The Festival of Skulls is one of the most important attractions in Aguascalientes. Year after year, from late October to early November, the city transforms into a picturesque celebration of the deceased.

This festival was created with the goal of rescuing and preserving the traditions of honoring the departed. Within its festive framework, homage is paid to one of the world-renowned visual artists, the illustrious engraver and illustrator, and a source of pride for Aguascalientes, José Guadalupe Posada, creator of the character La Catrina, who each year graces the festival as its host.

The main stage is Isla San Marcos, where you will enjoy the magic, beauty, and mysticism created for this occasion. You’ll also witness how some of the characters created by José Guadalupe Posada come to life in the performances that are part of the celebration.

You can feel the festive atmosphere with exquisite touches in the craft exhibitions, taste the delicious cuisine, including the rich and traditional pan de muerto, be swept away by the distinctive musical notes of the Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra concerts, and enjoy the best film screenings, music festivals, and unique street theater performances.

Wander through the streets of the city on the thematic tours created just for you, such as the Skull Parade, which travels along the main avenues of the historic center, the night walk, or the procession of souls on the tourist trams. Also, don’t miss the altar contest and over 400 activities that are part of this grand event. Music and theater, culture and fun, tradition and entertainment await you in Aguascalientes.

Don’t forget to visit the museums in Aguascalientes:

José Guadalupe Posada MuseumA collection of more than three thousand pieces, featuring works by masters such as Posada, Tamayo, Fors, Manilla, Paladino, and others, await you inside this building, which also honors temporary exhibitions and is the venue for the José Guadalupe Posada National Engraving Contest. It also houses an engraving workshop, a research and consultation room on the life of Posada, and spaces for conferences, screenings, and editorial presentations. Take the opportunity to visit this collection space, the first dedicated to art in the state of Aguascalientes.

Museum of DeathIt is considered the only museum of its kind in Latin America and features a gallery with around two thousand works, a legacy from the Michoacán engraver Octavio Bajonero Gil. The exhibition begins with the cult of death from the pre-Hispanic and colonial perspectives to popular culture. It continues with a collection of engravings made by various masters, including Posada, Bajonero, Leñero, Estrada, and Manilla. The exhibition also includes works created by students from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, pamphlets by José Lascano, creations by Venegas and Iriarte, and oil paintings by Benjamín Domínguez. Be sure to see the wall of skulls, which reflects sixty different cosmogonies of death. Take advantage of the moment to witness the classic altar contest, as well as contemporary adaptations.