Tierra de los Muertos Festival

Tierra de los Muertos is not just a festival — it’s a 3-day journey through music, art, culture, and ancestral tradition in the heart of Oaxaca and Mitla, Mexico.

Founded in 2021, our boutique festival was born from a deep love for Día de Muertos and the vibrant soul of Oaxaca. Set against iconic venues like La Fortaleza in Mitla and Oaxaca City rooftops, the experience blends:

World-Class Music

Intimate open-air stages with
global DJs and local talent.

Wellness Rituals

Sound healing, cacao ceremonies, and yoga at sunrise.

Culinary Experiences

Chef Castellanos’ gourmet
dinners under the stars.

Immersive Art

Zapotec-inspired installations, alebrijes & symbolism.

The Story Behind Tierra de los Muertos

Back in 2021, on my way to Cabo with my family, I had an idea that would change my life forever. I had just finished watching the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, which famously opens with a spectacular Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. That cinematic moment lit a spark. I thought to myself: What if we could create something like this—a celebration of life, music, and culture—during Día de los Muertos in Mexico?
I called my friend John, who lives in Oaxaca, to share the idea. Without hesitation, he told me: “If you’re going to celebrate Día de Muertos, there’s no better place than Oaxaca.”
Two weeks later, right after my Cabo vacation, I was on a flight to Oaxaca with nothing but excitement and a vision.

Oaxaca: Where It All Began

When I landed, I immediately fell in love—the warmth of the people, the vibrant colors, the art-filled streets, the food, the energy of the city, and those magical terraces overlooking Santo Domingo. It felt like the heartbeat of Mexican culture itself.
It was during this trip that I met Ita Vago, who was working in the city’s Tourism Department at the time. She quickly became our local guide, helping with venues, permits, and introductions to the right people. Within two weeks, the idea became a reality: Tierra de los Muertos was born.

Why the Name?

One day, we visited Mitla, a town just outside Oaxaca whose name comes from the Nahuatl word Mictlán—“Place of the Dead.” For the Zapotec people, this was the most sacred spiritual site during the Postclassic period. The Zapotec name for Mitla was Lyobaa, meaning “place of rest.”
Standing in Mitla, surrounded by history and mysticism, I knew the festival had to honor this land. That’s when the name Tierra de los Muertos—Land of the Dead—came to life.

The First Festival

When I returned home, I reached out to all my close DJ friends, building a lineup filled with people who believed in the vision as much as I did. The first edition of the festival became a multi-day celebration, with events across Oaxaca City and a powerful finale on Saturday at La Fortaleza in Mitla—a tradition we carry on to this day.

Today

What started as a dream during a family trip has grown into a three-to-four-day immersive experience blending music, art, food, wellness, and culture—a celebration of life and death rooted in one of Mexico’s most magical places.
Tierra de los Muertos isn’t just a festival.
It’s a portal. A journey into history, spirit, and sound.

Join Us October 24–26, 2025

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