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Day of the Dead: Celebrations return in full to Mexico after Covid restrictions

2 November 2022

Families illuminate the graves of loved ones in the pantheon at Atzompa, Oaxaca state

EPA Families illuminate the graves of loved ones in the pantheon at Atzompa, Oaxaca state - 1 November — Families illuminate the graves of loved ones in the pantheon at Atzompa, Oaxaca state

Mexicans have been taking part in the annual Day of the Dead festival during which they celebrate the lives of the departed.

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a pre-Hispanic tradition in which families remember their dead and celebrate the continuity of life.

Offerings to the dead are set up which include photographs, food, candles, flowers, personal items, skulls made out of sugar, paper mache skeletons and sweets.

The celebrations on Tuesday and Wednesday are the largest since 2019 after being curtailed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Devotees of Santa Muerte (Holy Death) gather in Mexico City's Tepito neighbourhood to sing songs and make offerings

EPA Devotee of Santa Muerte (Holy Death) in Tepito neighbourhood, Mexico City - 1 November — Devotees of Santa Muerte (Holy Death) gather in Mexico City's Tepito neighbourhood to sing songs and make offerings

People have been returning to their loved ones' graves, where many spent time cleaning them and preparing for the day

EPA Mourner at the Xilotepec Pantheon in Mexico City - 1 November — People have been returning to their loved ones' graves, where many spent time cleaning them and preparing for the day

Couple dressed as Animas, a representation of the souls of the dead by the community of Yucatan, during a performance in Merida, Yucatan

Reuters Couple dressed as Animas at a performance in Merida, Yucatan - 31 October — Couple dressed as Animas, a representation of the souls of the dead by the community of Yucatan, during a performance in Merida, Yucatan

Indigenous women dance in a parade in San Cristobal de las Casas, in Chiapas state

EPA Indigenous women dance in a parade in San Cristobal de las Casas, in Chiapas state - 31 October — Indigenous women dance in a parade in San Cristobal de las Casas, in Chiapas state

Men in masks dance during an offering in memory of relatives in Huejutla, Hidalgo state

EPA Men in masks dance in Huejutla, Hidalgo state — Men in masks dance during an offering in memory of relatives in Huejutla, Hidalgo state

Sex workers in Mexico City make an offering for deceased colleagues

EPA Sex workers in Mexico City — Sex workers in Mexico City make an offering for deceased colleagues

Tsotzile indigenous people in Chiapas state decorate the tombs of their relatives

EPA Tsotzile indigenous people decorate tombs of relatives in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas state — Tsotzile indigenous people in Chiapas state decorate the tombs of their relatives

Indigenous people in Oaxaca play music at the altar as they make offerings

EPA Indigenous people play music at the altar as they make offerings in San Mateo del Mar, state of Oaxaca — Indigenous people in Oaxaca play music at the altar as they make offerings

Family and friends have been celebrating the memory of Debanhi Escobar, who disappeared in Monterrey in April and was later found dead

EPA Altar in memory of Debanhi Escobar, who disappeared in April and was later found dead, at the Technical High School No. 110 Ludovico Meza; in Monterrey, Mexico - 1 November — Family and friends have been celebrating the memory of Debanhi Escobar, who disappeared in Monterrey in April and was later found dead

The traditional has spread around the world, with these traditional Mexican characters performing on Tower Bridge, London

PA Media Traditional Mexican parade characters on Tower Bridge, London - 1 November — The traditional has spread around the world, with these traditional Mexican characters performing on Tower Bridge, London

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