Families gathered around the final resting place of loved ones where they would stay until dawn. Small fires burned to take the edge off a cool night. The air was fresh like autumn but without the dread of upcoming winter. In the distance mariachi bands played.
This scene is repeated each year during the Day of the Dead festival (Día de los Muertos) in Mexico on November 1. The belief is that the souls of the dead return to earth for the night to be reunited with loved ones. Families set up altars and decorate graves with marigolds, candles and images of the departed. Offerings of food, drink and other earthly items the deceased liked are left.
The traditions of the day of the dead are a mixture of pre-Hispanic beliefs and Catholicism, religious fusion at its finest. It is not a time to mourn but to celebrate and honor the dead. Participants were proud of their artistic tributes on which they spent most of the day preparing. Outsiders were welcome and when asked politely people did not mind photographs being taken.
These images were taken in Tzintzuntzan located on the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro several kilometers from the city of Patzcuaro. Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacán is the epicenter for Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico. Each year thousands descend on the small island Janitzio accessible only by boat. The hilly island with a small cemetery gets incredibly crowded with more observers than participants. Tiny alleyways become as clogged as the arteries of the drunks who roam them which is why we chose to experience the night in Tzintzuntzan rather than navigate a circus-like atmosphere.Related Posts
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8 comments:
Hi Wendy,
Most ancient cultures celebrate something like this and the Mexican style is very interesting :) I am sure if the dead visited, they would be very delighted.
Hi Wendy,
These photos are awesome!! As a beginner and amateur (even lower, if possible) photography hobbyist, can i ask you one question? Did you take these photos with a tri-/monopod? They look wonderfully clear for low light shots! You must have really fast lens + magic touch that very few people have!
Ancient cultures have rituals that are very unique..and these pictures are wonderful ..
Especially interesting given my Day of the Dead celebrations I experienced in Austin (pictures yet to be posted).
Anne
Looks like it was well worth lugging the tripod to Tzintzun tzan...the shots turned out really well!!
Wonderful atmospheric photos, they capture the respect people have for their loved ones who have passed away.
Priyank, As i was walking through the graveyard I was also thinking they would be pleased.
Jen, Of course you can ask. I used a tripod and shot using different iso's but no more than 400 as I didn't want too much noise in the shadows.
Lakshmi. Thank you.
Anne, look forward to seeing what you post.
Catherine, it def was.
Heather, Thank you.
Fabulous photographs! I love everything about Old Mexico ~ and especially their viewpoint on death! Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful, festive occasion!
I am a Mexican Folk Artist and I try very hard to convey on canvas what you convey through your stories and photos!
Muchas Gracias for sharing!
RoMy
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