Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead – DW – 11/02/2025

About 1.5 million people gathered in Mexico City on Saturday during a grand parade for the Day of the Dead, according to city officials.

People participate in the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City, Mexico on November 1, 2025
Thousands of performers participated in this year’s parade in Mexico CityImage: Luis Cortes/Reuters

The Day of the Dead, known as “Dia de los Muertos” in Spanish, is one of Mexico’s most important annual celebrations and a major international attraction.

Revelers take part in a grand parade commemorating the Day of the Dead in Mexico City on November 1, 2025
Colorful costumes and parade floats are used to preserve memories and honor deceased family membersImage: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images

Festivities begin on October 31, when families welcome the spirits of dead children.

People dressed as animals and carrying snake figurines participate in the annual Day of the Dead parade on November 1, 2025.
The parade also includes colorful, fantastical sculptures known as alebrijes.Image: Luis Cortes/Reuters

This continues on November 1 with sweets and toys for the young spirits who are believed to return to earth to meet their families.

Revelers take part in a grand parade commemorating the Day of the Dead in Mexico City on November 1, 2025
Parade marking the Day of the Dead in Mexico City also attracts tourists from other countriesImage: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images

The parade on Saturday in Mexico’s capital serves as the centerpiece of the festivities, bringing together the diverse cultural traditions of the country of more than 130 million people.

Marching band musicians walk in front of a parade float decorated with skulls
While honoring the dead is a long-standing tradition in Mexico, the first Día de los Muertos parade was only held in Mexico in 2016 – inspired by the opening scene of the 2015 James Bond film Spectre.Image: Luis Cortes/Reuters

The celebration concludes on November 2 with an offering of favorite food and drinks to the adults being honored.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

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