TEHRAN -- The Mexican Embassy in Tehran is currently hosting a photo exhibition, which has been organized to celebrate the tradition of the Day of the Dead, at the Cultural Department of the embassy.

A collection of 35 photos by Tomas Casademunt featuring the ceremony in different regions of Mexico has been put on display in the exhibit �Death on the Altar�, the Persian service of ISNA reported on Wednesday.

The exhibition presents an example of an altar of the dead, which Mexicans set up in their homes and other places every year on November 1 and 2.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mexican Ambassador to Tehran Ulises Canchola Gutierrez told the participating guests that the tradition has been practiced since 500 years ago.

�Mexico is a country of different peoples and seeing this venerable tradition honored in every corner of the country is not far beyond expectation,� the ambassador added.

�The photos on display show the rich diversity of this festival, which was registered on UNESCO�s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003,� he said.

The exhibition �Death on the Altar� will be running until November 12 in the embassy located at 12, Golfam St., Africa Ave.

The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos, Dia de los Difuntos or Dia de Muertos in Spanish) is an ancient Aztec celebration of the memory of deceased ancestors that is celebrated on November 1 (All Saints� Day) and November 2 (All Souls� Day).

In most localities, November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored on November 2.

The holiday is especially popular in Mexico where it is a national holiday. It is also celebrated in the Philippines, in Mexican-American communities in the United States, and to a lesser extent, in other Latin American countries.

By Tehran Times