While the western world went dark yesterday with bloody zombie costumes, black vampire cloaks and witches broomsticks, Central America lit up with a rainbow of colours and animated skeletons for its annual Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Millions of locals and tourists filled streets across Mexico yesterday as beautifully decorated floats travelled through cities such as Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, and Aguascalientes to mark the Day of the Dead season, an observance honouring the dead.
The special period runs from the end of October through to the beginning of November, and is heavily influenced by an ancient Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl also known as ‘The Lady of the Dead’.
Mexico’s Tourism Board said visitors travelling through Mexico during the Dias de los Muertos period will experience a “joyous season” full of “unique decorations, flavours and celebrations”.
“Unique” and “joyous” are modest terms to describe the incredible sights and activities being held across Mexico right now and if you don’t believe us, then believe these stunning Instagram posts:
Like this pic that proves Halloween is child’s play compared to Mexico’s Day of the Dead
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba522qllV_q/?tagged=diasdelosmuertos
And this pic capturing the vivid colour & detail
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba6xnQDDtbz/?tagged=dayofthedead
Where else in the world will you find skeletons reading books over a balcony
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba7XGdfB8UP/?tagged=diasdelosmuertos
Or skeletons wearing such grand headwear
Image: Visit Mexico/Instagram
Or come across bones laying in a sea of bright orange flowers
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba7DJGODcF6/?tagged=diasdelosmuertos
Then there’s the make up art, which is next level during the Day of the Dead season
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaweVyHDG8U/?taken-by=visitmexico
And just simply stunning
Image: Visit Mexico/Instagram
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