Festival of the skulls 2025 in aguascalientes: how to get there
Festival of the Skulls 2025 in Aguascalientes: how to get to this traditional Day of the Dead fair?
The Festival of the Skulls 2025 in Aguascalientes is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico. This event, held every year during the Day of the Dead, combines art, tradition, music, gastronomy, and popular expressions to honor life and those who have passed away.
Besides being an opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of Aguascalientes, this festival is perfect for a road trip, taking advantage of the freedom that car rental offers to explore the region and its surroundings.
What is the history and essence of the Festival of the Skulls?
The festival was born in 1994 to preserve and promote the Day of the Dead traditions in the state. Since then, it has grown into a cultural landmark, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The catrinas of Aguascalientes and the iconic Mexican calaveritas are the stars of parades and exhibitions, paying tribute to José Guadalupe Posada, a renowned engraver born in this land, whose art has given identity to this commemoration.
When is the Festival of the Skulls in Aguascalientes 2025?
In 2025, the Festival of the Skulls in Aguascalientes will take place from Tuesday, October 28 to Thursday, November 6, with daily activities filling the city with color and tradition.
How is the Festival of the Skulls celebrated in Aguascalientes 2025?
The Festival of the Skulls 2025 in Aguascalientes offers much more than the traditional tours through the historic center and the city’s cemeteries. In addition to the monumental altars and the witty calaveras literarias, the program has expanded over the decades to include painting, engraving, and photography exhibitions, folk dance performances, concerts, theater shows, and even sporting events.
The main venue is Isla San Marcos, where for ten days a magical, colorful, and mystical atmosphere is created for this season. Here you can tour galleries and enjoy performances by actors who bring to life iconic characters created by José Guadalupe Posada, the local artist who immortalized the Catrina.
You’ll also find handicraft exhibitions, pavilions with local products, and a gastronomic showcase inviting you to savor the fluffiest pan de muerto, pair it with hot atole, and discover the traditional flavors of Aguascalientes. The nights are filled with music, from mariachi to contemporary acts, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for the whole family.
One of the most anticipated moments is the Parade of Skulls, whose theme changes every year. Comparsas and floats march down Avenida Madero, in the historic center, while hundreds of people dressed as catrinas or wearing skull makeup await the passing of monumental figures and energetic choreographies.
The celebration is not limited to the festival grounds: throughout the city, you’ll find activities such as tram or walking tours through the oldest neighborhoods, where legends and traditional tales are narrated. The most emblematic cemeteries, such as Panteón de la Cruz and Panteón de la Salud, offer night tours with theatrical performances, comedies, and shows that combine mystery and humor.
Attending the Festival of the Skulls 2025 is experiencing the Day of the Dead in Aguascalientes at its best: an event that transforms every corner of the city into a tribute to life, death, and Mexico’s deepest roots.
How to get to the Festival of the Skulls in Aguascalientes 2025?
From Mexico City
The distance is approximately 510 km, taking about 6 hours via highways 57D and 45D. Along the way, you can stop in cities like Querétaro or San Luis Potosí, ideal for resting, enjoying local food, and taking photos. With car rental in Mexico City, you can decide where and when to stop, making every kilometer part of your travel experience.
From Guadalajara
It’s approximately 240 km (about a 3-hour drive) via highway 80D and then 45D. This is one of the most comfortable and direct routes to Aguascalientes, with panoramic sections and well-marked rest areas. Driving gives you the chance to detour to Lagos de Moreno, a colonial jewel declared a World Heritage Site, or to stop in small towns to enjoy local cuisine. If you don’t have your own car, you can also opt for car rental in Guadalajara.
From León
The drive is 130 km and takes less than 2 hours via highway 45D. This is the shortest route, perfect for a weekend getaway. By car, you can also visit nearby places like San Francisco del Rincón, famous for its hat industry, or stop at viewpoints before reaching the heart of the festival.
Car rental in León is the best option to move freely, make the most of your trip, and visit nearby towns that perfectly complement the Day of the Dead experience in Aguascalientes.
The Festival of the Skulls 2025 in Aguascalientes is more than a celebration: it’s a window into the cultural heart of Mexico. By adding a road trip with Hertz Mexico, you’ll have the freedom to discover not only the festival but also the natural and cultural richness surrounding Aguascalientes. Get ready to enjoy one of the most emblematic festivities in the country at your own pace!