In pictures: Day of the Dead in Covid times

In pictures: Day of the Dead in Covid times

With many cemeteries closed, many Mexicans remembered their dead in more intimate ceremonies this year.

Elvira Madrid Romero is the president of an organisation which supports female sex workers.

The organisation, called Street Brigade Elisa Martínez AC, was founded 30 years ago by Jaime Alberto Montejo.

Mr Montejo contracted Covid as Mexico's health system was struggling to cope. He spent days going from hospital to hospital before he found one that had free beds, Ms Romero says. By the time he finally received medical care, it was too late and Mr Montejo died.

Ms Romero was so sick with Covid herself, she could not go to his grave until she had regained some strength two months later.

She and other members of the organisation have erected an altar to honour his legacy: "Jaime was a warrior, a social fighter, he used to say: 'f you don't know your rights and don't defend them, it's like being dead while still alive.'"

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador marked the occasion - when Mexicans honour deceased loved ones in the belief their souls return to Earth to be with them - by inaugurating an altar in the courtyard of the National Palace.

He has also declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic.

The altar at the palace was made by 20 indigenous people from different parts of the country and is entitled A Flower for Each Soul. Marigolds are the traditional flowers used for the Day of the Dead celebrations as it is believed that their scent will attract the souls to come to the altar.

With many cemeteries closed, many Mexicans remembered their dead in more intimate ceremonies this year.

Elvira Madrid Romero is the president of an organisation which supports female sex workers.

The organisation, called Street Brigade Elisa Martínez AC, was founded 30 years ago by Jaime Alberto Montejo.

Mr Montejo contracted Covid as Mexico's health system was struggling to cope. He spent days going from hospital to hospital before he found one that had free beds, Ms Romero says. By the time he finally received medical care, it was too late and Mr Montejo died.

Ms Romero was so sick with Covid herself, she could not go to his grave until she had regained some strength two months later.

She and other members of the organisation have erected an altar to honour his legacy: "Jaime was a warrior, a social fighter, he used to say: 'f you don't know your rights and don't defend them, it's like being dead while still alive.'"

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-54778292