A FREE event celebrating the Day of the Dead kicked off in Bournemouth town centre over the weekend.

Residents from Mexico and beyond spent much of Saturday afternoon dancing to the La Cucaracha, among others, as they celebrated all that was great about the Mexican culture.

Shortly after a group dance and a Colores Mexicanos performance, featuring bright and colourful Mexican outfits, everybody sat down to watch the premiere of the short film Crisálida.

The event took place in The Avenue shopping centre in Commercial Road and was organised by BCP Council, Bobby's, Colores Mexicanos, the University of Southampton and World of Love.

A traditional Mexican celebration dating back to the 16th century, the Day of the Dead helps people remember the dead by celebrating their memory.

People painted their faces as skeletons, meanwhile, there were arts and crafts workshops and a Day of the Dead Barbie doll interactive exhibition.

Coffin decorating and skeleton mask making were also available - a tradition that is also found in Mexico.

The event was funded by Southampton University and was part of Dr Jane Lavery's research project on the festival.