Day of the Dead: Millions of people across the world pay their respects to the deceased

As Halloween costumes are packed away for another year, many places across the world are still remembering the deceased, with countries such as Mexico, Peru and Bolivia spending the early days of November paying tribute to those who have died.

The Day of the Dead is widely celebrated in Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, where it originated and was declared a major cultural tradition by Unesco in 2008. Fused with Catholic festivals of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, the Day of the Dead is one of the most deep-rooted traditions in Mexico, celebrated by millions of people from Mayan Indians in the tropical south to urban professionals in Mexico City. Participants build elaborate altars decorated with gifts for the dead, often their favourite foods. Drawing on beliefs that the dead can return from the underworld, the celebrations begin on 1 November with the Day of the Innocents to honour departed children, and ends with the Day of the Dead on 2 November, which is for adults.

All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day or the Feast of All Saints, falls on 1 November and is celebrated by Anglicans and Roman Catholics across the globe. The holiday is to remember the saints and martyrs in Christianity and has been celebrated since the 4th century. On 2 November, All Souls' Day, Christians then move on to remember relatives and loved ones who have passed away. IBTimesUK presents some of the best photos from the holy celebrations across the world: