LGBTQ+ artists bring pride to Mexico City’s Catrina parade ahead of Day of the Dead, in photos
Drag artist Santiago Mercado takes part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)
Original Publication Date: October 26, 2025 11:03PM
Publication Updated: October 27, 2025 6:30AM
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AP) — Thousands of revelers wearing colorful costumes and skeletal face paint filled the streets of Mexico City for the annual Catrina parade, held in the lead-up to the Day of the Dead festivities.
Among the participants was the LGBTQ+ collective Exoticas, made up of nearly 200 LGBTQ+ artists, stylists and designers.
Exoticas joined more than 40 other groups marching in this year’s event.
The Catrina, a skeletal figure traditionally dressed in elegant attire, has become an enduring emblem of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations.
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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Drag artist Angel Arum fits his wig for the Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)People take part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)People take part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)People take part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)People take part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)Drag artist Vicktoria Kstillo prepares a wig for the Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)Drag artists apply makeup for the Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, October. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)Drag artists prepare a costume ahead of the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)Drag artist Angel Arum leaves bus station on the way to the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)A woman takes part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)People take part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)Drag artist Angel Arumir takes part in the annual Day of the Dead Catrina parade in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Claudia Rosel)
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