November festivals: Mexico’s Day of the Dead

Mexico’s vibrant celebration of departed souls is one of the world’s most recognisable festivals, and should not be mistaken for a mournful affair – it’s actually a time for lots of fun and celebration, a bit like Hallowe’en.

In anticipation of the big event, shops and market stalls fill to bursting with everything spooky, from papier-mâché skeletons and miniature coffins, to marzipan spooks and skulls – many of the skeleton folk depicted in familiar activities such as riding bicycles or getting married.