Jaime Camil: My guide to Mexico’s Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, “isn’t just about remembering loved ones who have passed away,” says Mexican actor, singer and television presenter Jaime Camil. “It’s about never forgetting them—it has a deeper and more beautiful meaning for our culture.” 

One of his country’s biggest stars, Camil divides his career and family life between Mexico, where he hosts talent show La Academia on Azteca Uno, and Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife and children. His is a truly cross-cultural resume, including Jane the Virgin and the Spanish-language version of Coco, the 2017 Pixar film that helped Día de Muertos become a globally recognized celebration. 

“It’s a cornerstone of Mexican and Latin culture—embraced by countries like El Salvador, Colombia and Guatemala. Even American culture is showing increased understanding and adoption,” Camil observes.

Celebrated predominantly on November 1 and 2 each year (though other days from October 31 to November 6 may be included, depending on the locality), Día de Muertos sees cemeteries become seas of marigolds as families gather to honor their departed.

Rather than a time of sorrow or grief, it’s a joyous occasion to commemorate and celebrate the lives of those gone before us, with parades, festivals and lively comparsas (processions featuring dance and music) held in cities and towns across Mexico. (Scroll down to see our guide to the best places to travel.)

Tradition dictates that, during these days, the souls of the departed return to the earthly realm to visit their families, and the celebration extends beyond burial grounds, becoming a personal ritual filled with cherished memories. Families place altars in their homes, adorned with photographs, food, and objects that evoke memories of their loved ones.

This year is, in fact, the first time that Camil will be joining public events, traveling to Oaxaca and documenting the experience for Expedia’s Instagram. “Although my family erected an altar each year, this is the first time I’m delving into the profound beauty and meaning that it has in my country, to truly immerse myself in this tradition,” he says.

And while Día de Muertos might be deeply ingrained in Latin American heritage, its core message of love and remembrance resonates universally. As Camil concludes, “True death occurs when someone leaves your heart—not when they depart from this world.”