Mexico City gets set to celebrate Day of the Dead

Mexico City on Friday added the final touches to its public displays for the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. More than 180 artisans helped to decorate 32 altars, representing the traditions and cultural heritage of Mexico, in the capital's main Zocalo square. At the same time, a display of more than 30 giant skeleton women wearing traditional costumes from every state opened to the public.

The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most colourful holidays. It combines Roman Catholic observances of All Souls' Day with pre-Hispanic customs of offering flowers and food to souls. Beginning October 31, to remember those who died in accidents, it continues November 1 to mark those died in childhood, and then those who died as adults on November 2.