Mexican President Felipe Calderon has said he will continue his war on the country's drug cartels until the country is safe, despite the tens of thousands of deaths it has already cost.

Mexicans are about to mark the Day of the Dead. Skulls and skeletons adorn storefronts, hotel lobbies, even a corner of the grand hall in the Los Pinos presidential mansion in Mexico City.

Traditionally the Dia de los Muertos is a time to remember deceased family and friends. It is a day of prayers and parties - Mexicans know how to laugh, even in the face of death.

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