Wearing extravagant headdresses,** glittering gownsand painted skull facestransformed Mexico City's Paseo de la Reformainto 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 dogsmade their way through cheering crowds. Some participants wore illuminated outfits**, while others displayed** elaborate embroideryand striking headpieces**.** Make-up artistsworked 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 Posadamore 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 relativeswith altars, flowers, candles and offerings**.
Mexico City is preparing an even larger parade on 31 October, with more than** 4,000 performers**,** 12 floatsand two giant balloonsexpected. The capital's Zócalowill also feature a 32-metre Catrinasurrounded by millions of marigolds**.
The festivities combine music, creativity and remembrance, turning the** commemoration of the deadinto a celebration of life**.