A Dia de Los Muertos Adventure with the Footy Travelers
The Footy Travelers Took to Mexico City during the Dia de Los Muertos Holiday in 2023 — Here’s Why We’re Hitting ‘Repeat’ on the Trip in 2025
It’s no secret that Mexico, our lovable neighbor to the south (despite anything you’ll hear elsewhere), has a football environment that is both unique and diverse. And as The Footy Travelers, we decided to live up to our name back in 2023 and immerse ourselves in that beautifully rich culture south of the border. Our decision was rewarded before the wheels of our inbound flights even touched down, with views from the window seat of footy icons like Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes (sometimes referred to as Estadio Azul) — not to mention the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in the distance. It would be rewarded even further with daily indulgences not just in the futbol, but incredible food, cocktails, and cultural experiences that simply have to be lived out to be fully appreciated. So let’s dive into what made this 2023 trip so special, and why we’re repeating the trip again in 2025.
WHY MEXICO CITY?
As we’ve already alluded to, CDMX isn’t just a sprawling metropolis obsessed with the beautiful game, it’s full of exceptional attractions that any tourist, footy fan or not, should have on their list to experience. If you’re not convinced, just look at the growing population of expats calling the city '“mi casa” as your social proof. In that vein, while the official 2023 Footy Travelers adventure in Mexico City kicked off in the final days of October, some of our Fellow Footy Travelers (FFTs) made the wise decision to tack on to the front end of their stays in CDMX, maximizing their experience in Mexico’s capital city over a (very) full two weeks. Between remote workdays based in the bustling and popular ‘gringohood’ of Roma Norte, exploring world-class restaurants and James Beard acclaimed street vendors, and catching the roar of the Formula 1 engines that were in town, it was clear early on: CDMX is a city you never really want to leave.
Of course though, an official Footy Travelers trip wouldn’t be complete without a stretch of days attending world-class and vibrant grounds for exciting, live soccer matches. With 4 days to occupy our footy-focused portion of time in Mexico’s capital, here’s how spent that window of time (and what you can expect if you join us in 2025):
FFTs stands for ‘Formula 1 Footy Travelers’ today!
DAY 1 | Cruz Azul Under the Lights
The real magic of the trip kicked off when a small group of FFTs finally came together for a jam-packed, four-day celebration of culture, community, and football. Futbol activities commenced with a proper mid-week match under the lights at Estadio Azteca, where Cruz Azul battled Juárez in a lively Liga MX showdown. A perfect warm-up for what was to come.
DAY 2 | Lucha Libre Madness
Day Two took us ringside to another iconic slice of Mexican culture: lucha libre wrestling! Between the masks, the mayhem, and the energy of the arena, we were cheering louder than we did at some matches (ok, maybe not that loud). It was the perfect reminder that passion for spectacle in Mexico extends far beyond the pitch.
“Tag team, off the ropes"!”
DAY 3 | Markets, Mezcal, y Mas
On Day Three, we dug deeper into the local scene, with an incredible, off-the-beaten-path food and market tour led by a knowledgeable local guide (Qué pasa, Orson?!). Of course we still made a stop at the more famous (and massive) Mercado Sonora. After stuffing ourselves with unforgettable taco dishes and samples of delicious al pastor, we wrapped the day with a mezcal and pulque tasting that gave us a whole new appreciation for Mexico’s native spirits (and maybe a new respect for the phrase "sipping slowly").
Key ingredients to a great out-of-grounds, cultural day
DAY 4 | Dia de Los Muertos & A Night at Azteca
Then came Day Four, and what a way to finish! We celebrated Dia de Los Muertos with the unforgettable parade—an explosion of color, music, and tradition. Along the way, we met new travelers who quickly became honorary Footy Travelers, joining us later that evening at Estadio Azteca for a thrilling Club América vs. Tijuana match. Football, new friendships, and the echoes of celebration are still ringing in our ears, and—call us ‘softies’ if you will—in our hearts. It doesn’t get much better than that… EXCEPT THAT IT DOES!!!
The best part of all of this? YOU CAN BE PART OF THE NEXT ADVENTURE! We’re heading back to Mexico City in November 2025 for another unforgettable Footy Travelers trip during the Dia de Los Muertos holiday, and (fingers crossed) right in time to be some of the first footy fans to experience the renovated Estadio Azteca, before the World Cup 2026 crowds several months later. Register your interest now so you don’t miss out on the next chapter of Footy Travelers history, or sign up for our newsletter to catch all the latest news and announcements on Footy Travelers events, insights, and travel opportunities!
Y el Resto
Here’s a list of other things we explored and experienced. You know, inspiration for things you could do yourself on the next trip with us!
Toured the historic Aztec temple of Teotihuacan by hot air balloon at sunrise (and walked through it afterwards)
Stayed cool in educational institutions like the Frida Kahlo Museum, National Art Museum, and Museum of Natural History
Walked and lounged in the Bosque de Chapultepec Park under the massive, centuries old Montezuma cypress trees
Got our steps in exploring the popular neighborhoods of Coyoacan, Doctores, & Centro
Stood in awe of majestic churches like Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de Mexico (and the Plaza de la Constitución), Parroquia San Juan Bautista, Palacio de Bellas Artes, y mucho mas!
…And just some of the places where we ate (and surely hope to be eating at again on the next one!):
CIENA in La Condesa for incredible Italian
Nudo Negro in Roma Norte for Asian fusion
Rosetta Restaurante in Condesa/Roma for European fine dining
Porco Rosso in Roma Norte for American BBQ (ya know, if you’re from KC or St. Louis and missing home)
El Compita near Glorieta de los Insurgentes (street vendor) for insanely delicious birria tacos and consommé
Taqueria La Onda in Lomas de Chapultepec (small hole-in-the-wall joint) for most authentic tacos, especially tacos al pastor
Forte in Roma Norte (our home base & favorite café by far) for great morning food and drinks
Lardo in La Condesa for Mexican/European fusion, tamales, pozole or wood-fired pizza (also has tremendous breakfasts like chilaquiles)
…And don’t forget that just as famous as CDMX’s food is their bar and cocktail scene. From tiny candlelit speakeasys, to swanky rooftop bars, the city has the drink and the setting you’re looking for, whoever you are:
Supra Roma Rooftop – sprawling views of the city with comfortable longue and good cocktails
Terraza Cha Cha Chá – a beautiful bar/restaurant with a great view of the Monumento A la Revolución and gin & tonics and spritzes
Balmori Bar – another rooftop spot with festive atmosphere and Cointreau everywhere
Baltra Bar – ranked #45 in world’s best bars, a more chill, neighborhood-vibe bar
Handshake Speakeasy – named the best bar in the world in 2024, and best bar in N. America 2 years running (but has a lot of details regarding reservations)
Madre – an amazing rooftop bar with especially friendly and fun bartenders that will make you the drink of your dreams
Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar – ranked #22 in world’s best bars, plus has a fun name
(Disclosure: We often ideate, draft, and/or refine content with the aid of artificial intelligence tools, and revise it to reflect our own personalities & intended message.)
