Celebrating the elusive bond between the departed and the living, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, as it is often called in English, has always been a revered tradition in Mexico. This fascinating blend of remembrance and revelry is an enduring testament to Mexican culture's regard for those who have journeyed beyond. In recent years, this tradition has garnered international attention, thanks to its portrayal in films like 007’s Spectre and Disney’s Coco.

Oaxaca is one of the cities where the Day of the Dead is experienced in its full glory. The city comes alive with an array of festivities and parades, kicking off towards the end of October and reaching a climax on November 1 and 2. These days are believed to be when the departed spirits return to this world.

Omar Alonso, founder of Sam Gutierrez Live Oaxaca and a native Oaxacan, offers personalized gourmet and cultural experiences. Omar's Día de los Muertos ofrenda tour, including dining, drinks, and guided tours of city cemeteries, is a must-try experience.

One cannot ignore the delightful sugar skull - alfeñiques - that fill the markets in Mexico during this season. These intricately designed sugar candies are part sweet treat and part decor and come in a variety of vibrant colors, shapes, and sizes.

Special foods linked with the festival include Pan de Muerto, a Mexican sweet bread traditionally baked for Día de los Muertos. In Oaxaca, this bread takes a simpler form - an egg-based loaf with a wax figure symbolizing the deceased.

Oaxaca's thrilling cenotaph scene is not the only thing on offer. The city also boasts a lively culinary landscape. Stay at the luxurious Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca, savor Oaxacan ingredients with a Japanese twist at Crudo, or try lighter fare at Alfonsina, a family-owned oasis that serves up hyper-local ingredients.

Mezcal enthusiasts will love Sabina Sabe, a laid-back watering hole with a diverse cocktail menu that pays tribute to Oaxaca's myriad flavors. For a truly Oaxacan experience, visit La Mezcalerita, a local hub known for its homebrewed mezcal and extensive craft beer menu.

The Oaxaca botanical garden - featuring flora from all corners of Oaxaca's diverse regions - is a calming sanctuary amid the city's hustle and bustle. Meanwhile, traditional markets such as Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juarez provide an authentic taste of Oaxacan life.

Lastly, with Oaxaca being encircled by numerous artisan towns, each specializing in its unique craft, make sure to visit them. From glossy black pottery at San Bartolo Coyotepec to vibrant animal carvings at San Martín Tilcajete and intricate textile weaving at Teotitlán del Valle, there's so much to explore.

When you visit Oaxaca for Día de los Muertos, you go beyond mere sightseeing - you connect with the cultural fabric of Mexico in a way that's both poignant and jubilant.