Mexico City's Day of the Dead Parade Brings Out More Than 40 Groups

More than 40 groups paraded through the streets of Mexico City in the city's annual Day of the Dead parade, wearing colorful costumes and figures of catrinas (elegant skeleton characters) and skulls.

The holiday, known in Spanish as Día de Muertos, is observed across Mexico. Families gather at cemeteries across the country on November 1 to reconnect with their dead.

Observances in rural areas follow their own customs. In Guerrero state, communities such as Atlamajalcingo del Río and Metlatónoc begin preparations in late October. Rezanderos, prayer leaders who lead the community in prayer, and wind music bands gather as part of the celebrations.

Across these events, the holiday's central practice is the same: remembering the dead through public gatherings, music and visits to graves, though the forms differ from city to village.