“When this movie hit the big screen and was seen by millions and millions of people in 67 countries, that started to create expectations that we would have something,” Lourdes Berho, head of the Mexico Tourism Board, told the Associated Press.

On Saturday, a real Day of the Dead parade drew thousands to the streets in Mexico City. It featured actual props from the film, along with other pop culture influences inspired by American Halloween customs and television shows like The Walking Dead spinoff Fear the Walking Dead on AMC, which filmed in Mexico for its recent season.

Here are some images from Mexico City’s first ever Day of the Dead parade.

The parade moves along Reforma Avenue in Mexico City.
The parade moves along Reforma Avenue in Mexico City.
Image: AP Photo/Marco Ugarte
Thousands watch as a Day of the Dead parade arrives to the main Zocalo plaza in Mexico City on Oct. 29.
Thousands watch as a Day of the Dead parade arrives at the main Zocalo plaza in Mexico City.
Image: AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills
Participants painted their faces to look like skulls. The woman at center is dressed as La Catrina, the dapper skeleton from the work of Mexican folk artist Jose Guadalupe Posada.
Participants painted their faces to look like skulls. The woman at center is dressed as La Catrina, the dapper skeleton from the work of Mexican folk artist Jose Guadalupe Posada.
Image: Reuters/Carlos Jasso

 

Participants in the “Day of the Dead” parade in Mexico City on Oct. 29.
Participants in the “Day of the Dead” parade in Mexico City on Oct. 29.
Image: Reuters/Carlos Jasso

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