A sculpture of a raised fist made of helmets, pick axes and broken rubble rolled ahead of walking skeletons, costumed dancers and flowery floats in Mexico City's Day of the Dead parade, which this year honoured the 228 capital residents killed by a September 19 earthquake.

"Thank you, rescuers!" belted out Guadalupe Perez, 56, as she passed the sculpture, which was followed by contingents of rescuers, including dogs.

Rescue workers and volunteers march behind a fist made out of safety helmets. ( AP: Eduardo Verdugo )

Mexico City's central Zocalo plaza was filled by the papier mache dead, skeletal Catrina figures and candle-covered shrines where people were invited to place photographs of those killed in two recent earthquakes, which together left more than 400 dead across the country.

A raised fist was the signal the rescuers gave for silence to hear if anyone was trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

More than one month on from the earthquake, the raised fist has become a sign of respect and resilience. ( Reuters: Henry Romero )

"[It] has become a national and international symbol," parade coordinator Julio Blasina said.

"We had an obligation to pay tribute to the fallen, while transmitting the message that the city is still standing."

This year's parade featured a kilometre-and-a-half of floats honouring the celebration, which is an amalgam of pre-Hispanic and other traditions.

White, orange, purple and black paper cut-outs covered part of the Zocalo. Beneath them were papier mache skeletons with rescue vests and helmets, symbolising volunteers from the regions affected by the earthquakes, including Oaxaca, Chiapas, Morelos, Puebla and Guerrero. Other skeletons represented victims.

A woman dresses as "Catrina", an iconic character of the Day of the Dead. ( AP: Eduardo Verdugo )

"We must not forget that the country is in mourning because there are many who do not have a home," said Guadalupe Perez, whose apartment was badly damaged in a quake.

"But this is a beautiful party, unique in the world."

Tens of thousands of people attended the festivities. ( AP: Eduardo Verdugo )

Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations traditionally consisted of quiet family gatherings at the graves of their departed loved ones, bringing them music, drink and conversation.

The parade itself was inspired by the James Bond movie, Spectre. ( AP: Eduardo Verdugo )

In some towns, families leave a trail of orange marigold petals in a path to their doorways so the spirits of the dead can find their way home. Some light bonfires for the same purpose.

But it is increasingly celebrated with parades rife with floats, giant skeleton marionettes and thousands of participants. Influences of American Halloween celebrations and Hollywood zombie films are common.

"All our roots are reflected here," said Leo Cancino, who took his family to see Saturday's parade in Mexico City.

"Many are afraid of death but no, it's part of life."

Performers hold the Mexican flag high alongside colourful puppets and figurines. ( AP: Eduardo Verdugo )

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout the country. ( AP: Eduardo Verdugo )

AP