Mexico City Stages James Bond-Inspired Day Of The Dead Parade

Mexicans received the silver screen-style celebration with mixed reviews.
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA

Mexico City organized a Day of the Dead parade for the first time on Saturday, inspired by the opening scenes from the 2015 James Bond film, “Spectre.”

Thousands looked on as giant skeleton marionettes and scores of dancers marched through Mexico’s capital, but many Mexicans expressed outrage with the mutation of the traditionally intimate festival.

On the Day of the Dead, which dates back to the Aztecs, Mexicans traditionally hold vigils for the deceased and bring offerings to the their graves. They also erect altars in their homes in honor of loved ones who have passed away.

A woman poses with the mask from James Bond's Day of the Dead costume, worn by Daniel Craig in "Spectre," during a photocall at Christie's auction house on Feb. 15 in London.
A woman poses with the mask from James Bond's Day of the Dead costume, worn by Daniel Craig in "Spectre," during a photocall at Christie's auction house on Feb. 15 in London.
Carl Court via Getty Images

Lourdes Berho, chief executive of Mexico’s tourism board, has said that “Spectre,” in which Bond chases a villain through a parade of people dressed up as skeletons, has raised expectations for large-scale Day of the Dead festivities.

Tourism officials have said they hope the new parade will attract tourists to Mexico City.

MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA
MANUEL HERNANDEZ BORBOLLA

A version of this piece originally appeared on HuffPost Mexico. It has been translated into English and edited for clarity.

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