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