Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition celebrated from November 1st to 2nd. It is a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The belief is that our loved ones visit from El Mictlán, the world of the dead, to our world of the living on this special night. They are able to travel if the living build an altar in their memory with several special requirements.
If you wish to learn How to Build an Altar you can read this great LA TACO article in English. For more information on the Day of the Dead traditions, I honestly recommend you watch the Pixar film ‘Coco‘ which was created by a Mexican-American director, cast, and advisors.
If you’re already a fan of this unique, yearly celebration, Tijuana might not be the most popular destination that comes to mind when wishing to celebrate an authentic Day of the Dead in México. Still, you’ll be surprised by what this border city has to offer. There are many events happening around this celebration, but Rancho Casian surprises us year after year with continuous upgrades to their yearly event.
Rancho Casian near tijuana
Rancho Casian is located off Boulevard 2000, a highway starting near Otay’s U.S. Border that leads to Rosarito, Baja California. It is a quick connection to Rosarito Beach frequented by locals and truck drivers. This area is well known to hikers and cyclists since the hills offer beautiful beach views.
There is plenty to do and see year-round since you’ll find two different restaurants, a small outdoor bar, as well as experiences such as horseback riding and four-wheelers for rent. Beware that this area gets very muddy and difficult to walk and drive through when it rains since it is not paved.
Rancho Casian is most famous during the Fall for its ‘Ruta del Maíz’, corn fields. This large field is used to grow corn, pumpkins, and flowers. One of the main elements needed for every Day of the Dead altar is ‘cempasúchil‘, marigold flowers. These yellow and orange flowers grow during the months of October and November. You’ll find endless rows of these very fragrant flowers at La Ruta del Maíz. Although this is the main attraction, there are many other activities happening at this location during this time of year.
Local tip: Avoid this highway, Blvd 2000, at night since it’s poorly lit and the frequent trucks cause the road to deteriorate often.
Day of the Dead Adventures
This year, 2022, is the best Day of the Dead exhibit I’ve experienced at Rancho Casian so far. The exhibit begins by entering El Mictlán, aka the land of the dead. As eery as this sounds, this tradition is a colorful one that celebrates life. You’ll find very colorful decorations with many photo-friendly spots such as a piano in the flower fields and sofas made out of hay bales.
There are plenty of activities for the entire family, including live performances with traditional dances and costumes. There’s also a section for face painting, a playground, and pony riding for kids, as well as a small tunnel leading to the greenhouse.
You can also take pictures with the walking catrinas, this is the image most commonly known when referring to the Day of the Dead. In this case, it’s people dressed up as tall skeletons dressed in traditional outfits from diverse regions of México who have their skulls colorfully painted.
My favorite area by far was the Mictlán Gallery. This section is located in the corn maze by the flower fields. It has a giant skull in the middle that can be seen from afar and directs you to the gallery. You’ll find digital prints and paintings related to the Day of the Dead created by Mexican artists.
What to eat at El Mictlán
No Mexican festivity is complete without food. El Mictlán de Tijuana has a shaded area with “tables and seats” made out of hay near the entrance. Here you can drink aguas frescas (fruit-based water), beer, or wine from the nearby famous vineyards of El Valle de Guadalupe in Ensenada.
For snacks, if you like spiciness you should try tostilocos, which are Tostitos chips with hot sauce, chamoy – which is not spicy but closer to sweet and sour – cucumbers, peanuts, and more. You can also go for more traditional snacks such as plain salt chips or popcorn. If you prefer sweets, you have to try the traditional pan de muertos, which means bread of the dead. Again, as creepy as this might sound, it is actually delicious and only baked during this time of year. If you rather stick to what you know, you’ll also find Halloween-inspired donuts.
If you’re craving something more substantial, you know tacos never disappoint, especially in Tijuana, known as the best city for tacos in México. Others might differ but these are FACTS! Take this advice from a true Tijuanense.
How and when to visit el Mictlán
This gorgeous and fun adventure will be available until November 12th, 2022. Next year’s dates and details are yet to be released. It normally opens in early October and lasts about a month. Parking is free and the entrance is located off Boulevard 2000 heading East (towards Tijuana, away from the beach). Don’t forget to tip the parking handler!
Although their site states it closes at 4pm, I was told when visiting on a Sunday that it closes at 6pm and opens at 9am. The entrance fee is $100 MXN (approximately $5 USD) so don’t forget to bring cash. Check out their Facebook site for more details and pictures. You could also write them on Messenger with any questions.
I suggest you dress comfortably since you’ll be walking a bunch if you decide to explore the whole site. Keep in mind that since you’ll be in the fields, your shoes will be covered in dust and dirt at the end of the day.
I hope you’re able to venture south of the border for a very different type of adventure. Tijuana is known for so much more than its nightlife. This is a unique event celebrated once a year and offers a true insight into this beautiful tradition of honoring our loved ones who are out of sight but never out of our hearts.
Try all the food, take tons of pics, wrap yourself in the spirit of Día de muertos, and always BE PRESENT. Have you ever experienced a Day of the Dead celebration in México? Comment below to share your experience!