Why Oaxaca is Mexico’s best-kept secret for cultural and active travel

Tell us about Oaxaca.

The perception of a lot of travellers is that Mexico is a beach destination. They've done the Mayan Riviera, maybe they've done Mexico City, and folks may have heard of Oaxaca, but wouldn't be able to pinpoint it on a map. But there is so much opportunity to explore the vibrant culture here, and enjoy the outdoors, both by biking and hiking, while staying at design-led boutique hotels. And, with Oaxaca being known as one of the best places in the entire country to celebrate the Day of the Dead, both in terms of the history and the festivities that happen, it’s something very different.

Can you explain the Day of the Dead?

It is quite nuanced. There are several different days of festivities – the core is from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. In the first few days, people are creating altars for family members, and it's more of a time of quiet reflection amongst families. As festivities progress, it becomes more of a celebration of life. The idea is that they're welcoming the dead back into the land of the living, and it's a time to rejoice and reconnect with full-blown celebrations that include parades and marching bands. There are several different villages around the city of Oaxaca, and in each of those villages the ceremonies are a little bit different.

And the public is not just welcome but encouraged to join in on the celebrations?

Yes, at a lot of the festivities, not only are visitors welcome, but also encouraged to participate. You’ll be walking through the parade, and people are handing you mezcal shots and you're dancing. You're very much encouraged to participate, as opposed to looking in from the other side of the looking glass.