Audiences around the world loved the opening scene of the 2015 James Bond movie "Spectre," which featured a spectacular Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade through the streets of Mexico City.
Mexico City celebrates Day of the Dead —
Audiences around the world loved the opening scene of the 2015 James Bond movie "Spectre," which featured a spectacular Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade through the streets of Mexico City.
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
The problem was, Mexico City didn't have a giant Dia de los Muertos parade. Now, inspired by the movie, they're holding one.
Fiction becomes reality —
The problem was, Mexico City didn't have a giant Dia de los Muertos parade. Now, inspired by the movie, they're holding one.
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
"As a result of the James Bond film we have decided to take advantage of the spotlight and put on the streets a great offering which we give to our dead," says Alejandra González Anaya, one of the parade's creative directors.
Seizing the advantage —
"As a result of the James Bond film we have decided to take advantage of the spotlight and put on the streets a great offering which we give to our dead," says Alejandra González Anaya, one of the parade's creative directors.
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
The parade begins at 3 p.m. Mexico Central Time on October 29 at the Angel of Independence and will end in the Zócalo, Mexico City's main square.
Up to one million spectators —
The parade begins at 3 p.m. Mexico Central Time on October 29 at the Angel of Independence and will end in the Zócalo, Mexico City's main square.
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
It'll last three to four hours and an estimated 150,000 or up to one million people are expected to watch the parade along its 3.5-kilometer route.
Saturday, October 29 —
It'll last three to four hours and an estimated 150,000 or up to one million people are expected to watch the parade along its 3.5-kilometer route.
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
The Day of the Dead celebration dates back to Aztec and pre-Columbian times. It's a celebration of life and the aim is to teach people not to be afraid of death, but to enjoy and take advantage of every moment.
History of Dia de los Muertos —
The Day of the Dead celebration dates back to Aztec and pre-Columbian times. It's a celebration of life and the aim is to teach people not to be afraid of death, but to enjoy and take advantage of every moment.
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
The festival's also a chance to honor the dead. It's traditionally celebrated on November 1 and November 2 when Mexicans believe the gates of the afterlife are opened and their loved ones who have passed on return to join in the festivities.
Honoring the dead —
The festival's also a chance to honor the dead. It's traditionally celebrated on November 1 and November 2 when Mexicans believe the gates of the afterlife are opened and their loved ones who have passed on return to join in the festivities.
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
"There are 1200 volunteers working for the parade alone," González Anaya says. "We have worked for a year on this project."
1200 volunteers —
"There are 1200 volunteers working for the parade alone," González Anaya says. "We have worked for a year on this project."
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
"Volunteers have been rehearsing for three weeks now, every night, to be ready for the parade."
Three weeks of rehearsals —
"Volunteers have been rehearsing for three weeks now, every night, to be ready for the parade."
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
"Though the parade did not exist in this format, it did exist in content, in tradition and its looks," says González Anaya. "So it's wonderful to be able to rescue that and bring it to a new format and a new tradition for Mexicans."
The Day of the Dead aesthetic —
"Though the parade did not exist in this format, it did exist in content, in tradition and its looks," says González Anaya. "So it's wonderful to be able to rescue that and bring it to a new format and a new tradition for Mexicans."
Courtesy VisitMexico.com
Adds González Anaya, "It's super-important for our country to be seen that we can be organized and peaceful to deliver something that can be respected and inspiring for the world."
Presenting Mexico to the world —
Adds González Anaya, "It's super-important for our country to be seen that we can be organized and peaceful to deliver something that can be respected and inspiring for the world."
Courtesy VisitMexico.com