Experience one of Mexico’s most meaningful traditions with this seasonal Día de los Muertos cooking class and cultural experience in Yucatán, available only on select dates each year.

More than a culinary activity, this hands-on experience invites you to discover the traditions behind Día de los Muertos through food, storytelling, and cultural rituals shared by local hosts.

Your journey begins in Mérida’s historic center, where you’ll meet your local guide and walk to the city’s main Day of the Dead altar. Surrounded by marigolds, incense, and traditional offerings, you’ll learn about the cultural and spiritual meaning of this important Mexican tradition.

Next, visit the lively Lucas de Gálvez Market, where you’ll explore colorful aisles while gathering fresh ingredients for your cooking class and for the ofrenda (altar) you’ll help create later in the day. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of pan de muerto and hot chocolate, a seasonal ritual deeply rooted in Mexican culture.

From there, continue to a local home where your host will welcome you for a hands-on Día de los Muertos cooking class. Together, you’ll build a traditional ofrenda decorated with candles, marigolds, food, and photos. Guests are welcome to bring a picture of a loved one or pet to honor their memory.

You’ll then prepare a traditional 3-course Yucatecan meal, including the ceremonial pib (mukbil pollo), a dish prepared only during this season and deeply connected to the meaning of the celebration. As you cook, your host will share the stories and traditions behind each dish and its cultural significance.

After cooking, sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared together in a warm and meaningful setting, experiencing Día de los Muertos through its food, traditions, and shared moments.

• 8:30 AM – Meet your guide at Iglesia de la Tercera Orden
• 8:40 AM – Walk through the Plaza Grande and visit the city’s main Day of the Dead altar for a meaningful introduction to the tradition
• 9:10 AM – Explore Lucas de Gálvez Market: shop for fresh ingredients for the meal and items for the altar, and enjoy a traditional light breakfast of pan de muerto and hot chocolate
• 10:45 AM – Transfer by local bus to your host’s home
• 11:15 AM – Begin your immersive cooking class and help set up a traditional ofrenda (altar) to honor departed loved ones  
• 13:30 PM – Sit down and enjoy the delicious 3-course meal you prepared – Including the Mucbipollo “PIB”
• 14:15 PM – Transfer back to your accommodation or original meeting point
• 14: 45 PM – Arrive at drop-off location