Ever since I learned about it in my junior high Spanish class, Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday has intrigued me. I longed to experience it. And as a photographer, my interest intensified – I knew the colorful celebration would provide plentiful opportunities for image making.
Coverage of Day of the Dead has been [insert preemptive eye roll] “done” to death by American photographers in the popular destinations of Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende. I was seeking something different. When offered the opportunity to visit and stay with a client in Mexico City this year, I jumped.
A man in traditional costume performs an ancient Aztec "soul cleaning" ritual as part of the Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico City's Zócalo, or main plaza.
In this collection of images I have attempted to portray the breadth of the event as it is celebrated in the “D.F.” (as locals call the city), from the simple altars erected in homes to the grand productions in the city’s historic center.
Unfortunately, one experience I had been hoping for eluded me — witnessing a midnight vigil in a cemetery. In Mexico City, I learned, cemeteries rarely remain open at night these days. And I was probably wise to resist the temptation to sneak in to one to photograph the graveside altars. I’ll save that adventure for another year… (just kidding mom).
CLICK HERE to view the images.
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Tags: Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, Mexico, Mexico City, Photography, Travel
November 30, 2010 at 3:52 am |
love the images =)
December 1, 2010 at 6:15 pm |
Fantastic pictures Emily! – they really do seem to capture the diversity of the celebration.