The XVI Pan American Games are being held in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, with some 6,000 athletes from 42 countries taking part over the next two weeks.

Torrential rains in recent days left many venues sodden, but a last-minute clean-up was launched to make sure the Games started on time.

Sport meets tradition, in the form of Mexican Day of the Dead skeletons practising disciplines including weightlifting, fencing and archery.

Flesh and blood athletes have been arriving in recent days and making the most of practice sessions.

Competitors in some dozen sports, including swimming, will have the chance to use their performance to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Guadalajara has been less affected by drug violence than some other cities in Mexico, but security will be tight, with some 11,000 police officers being deployed.

Crowds arrived at the Omnilife stadium on Friday evening for the opening ceremony

Traditional Mexican dancers performed at the opening ceremony

Fireworks lit up the Omnilife stadium