Mexico: spectacular Catrina parade brings the dead to life
Skeleton faces, extravagant headdresses and dazzling costumes transformed Mexico City's streets into a colourful spectacle. The annual Catrinas Parade celebrates the country's Day of the Dead traditions.
Wearing extravagant headdresses , glittering gowns and painted skull faces transformed Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma into a colourful procession on Sunday, 25 October, as thousands took part in the annual Catrinas Parade .
Dancers , couples dressed as skeletal brides and grooms , and even costumed dogs made their way through cheering crowds. Some participants wore illuminated outfits , while others displayed elaborate embroidery and striking headpieces . Make-up artists worked behind the scenes to create the distinctive Catrina look , with full face designs taking between 20 and 40 minutes.
The parade celebrates La Catrina , a skeletal figure created by illustrator José Guadalupe Posada more than a century ago and later popularised by artist Diego Rivera . Once a satire of European-inspired fashion, she has become one of Mexico's best-known cultural symbols .
The event forms part of the build-up to Día de los Muertos , celebrated mainly on 1 and 2 November, when families honour deceased relatives with altars, flowers, candles and offerings .
Mexico City is preparing an even larger parade on 31 October , with more than 4,000 performers , 12 floats and two giant balloons expected. The capital's Zócalo will also feature a 32-metre Catrina surrounded by millions of marigolds .
The festivities combine music, creativity and remembrance , turning the commemoration of the dead into a celebration of life .
