If we were to measure time by events, there are few clearer signs that fall is approaching than the return, once again this year, of the Casa de México Foundation’s Day of the Dead Altar in Spain. The event is a must-see for many people in the capital, and even though photos from summer vacations are still right there in your phone’s gallery, there’s less than a month to go before this year’s celebration in 2026.
The altar will be open to visitors from October 2 to November 8, and this year’s offering will be dedicated to the unforgettable Mexican composer Agustín Lara (1897–1970), “El Flaco de Oro.” He will preside over the main altar, accompanied by his piano.
The surrounding scene, meanwhile, will be inspired “by a cemetery in the mountains of Michoacán on the night of the Day of the Dead, when families gather to symbolically reunite with the souls of their loved ones, ” according to the foundation.
Thus, the altar will feature elements such as candles, cempasúchil flowers, incense, copal, food, and references to traditional rituals. And to fully understand the symbolism behind all of these elements, guided tours lasting about 25 minutes are being organized , and tickets are already available.
How to Get Advance Tickets for the 2026 Altar of the Dead
The window to secure tickets in advance—which are free and subject to availability— opens this Thursday, September 10, and runs through this Sunday, September 13.
Advance tickets can only be picked up in person at the Casa de México Foundation’s headquarters (20 Alberto Aguilera Street) during the following hours:
- Thursday, September 10: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 13: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
To obtain tickets, you’ll need to provide an email address, to which they’ll be sent immediately. A maximum of two tickets per email address is allowed, and all visitors ages 4 and older must have their own ticket to enter the exhibition.
Can you reserve a spot online for the 2026 Day of the Dead Altar?
Not getting advance tickets doesn’t mean you can’t visit the 2026 Day of the Dead Altar: each year, a limited number of tickets are available for in-person pickup, and online reservations open later.
To gain access, you must be subscribed to the Casa de México newsletter —you can sign up through their website.Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll receive a registration link with the schedule of dates and times for guided tours, which will be released gradually.