Haitians celebrate Day of the Dead

Haitians flocked to the National Cemetery carrying rum, candles and hopes for a better future on Sunday, kicking off Voodoo's festival of the dead, which takes place every year during the first days of November.

Revellers clamoured for a spot atop the oldest grave at the cemetery, which tradition holds is home to the spirit Baron Samedi, the guardian of the dead.

Samedi is typically depicted with a dark top hat and a white skull face.

The mostly unmasked participants placed flowers and candles on the cross, while others rubbed their candles against the stone.

Voodoo, or Voodou as preferred by Haitians, evolved in the 17th century when colonists brought slaves to Haiti from West Africa.