In Pictures: Mexicans honour lost loved ones on the Day of the Dead

El Dia de los Muertos is a time to honour dead relatives with vigils and homemade altars.

Mexicans in the state of Oaxaca are celebrating the Day of the Dead.

El Dia de los Muertos is a time to honour dead relatives with vigils and altars.

Youths hold candles over a tomb at a cemetery in Atzompa, Mexico, late on Tuesday (Maria Alferez/AP)

The local secretary of culture Victor Cata says October and November mark the dry season when the land languishes.

People sit around a child’s tomb in the San Gregorio Atlapulco cemetery (Marco Ugarte/AP)

The traditions are embraced from childhood and passed from parents to children.

A doll decorates a newborn’s tomb (Marco Ugarte/AP)

The 41-year-old, who lives in the town of Santa Maria Atzompa, said: “We preserve the culture of our ancestors and that is why we make our altars.”

People hold candles over a tomb decorated with flowers at a cemetery in Atzompa (Maria Alferez/AP)

“It’s a celebration of those with whom we shared a time and a roof, who were flesh and blood like us,” he said.

Ana Martinez prepares an altar on her home’s terrace in Santa Maria Atzompa (Maria Alferez/AP)

“I do feel that they are returning today but I also think they are with us daily, not just on this date,” she said.

Oaxacan traditions vary among the 16 indigenous groups and the Afro-descendant community, but according to Mr Cata, there is a shared ancient knowledge that relates to the land.

Ana Martínez places a photo on her altar (Maria Alferez/AP)

For other family members, his wife cooked Oaxacan delicacies such as mole, a traditional sauce.

It will be a long night, Mr Juarez said, until they go home at 6am, but these are joyful times.

Mexico Day of the Dead — Oaxacan traditions vary among the 16 indigenous groups and the Afro-descendant community (Maria Alferez/AP)

“We will reach that place where they have come to rest.”