San Antonino Castillo Velasco, a Zapotec community near Ocotlán, is a village known for its flowers. They are, no doubt, the inspiration for beautifully embroidered linens and clothing sold in the mercados and found in museum collections. And, a specialty is the “flor inmortal” (immortal flower), so named because, even when dried, it retains its brilliant colors. They are used to create intricately designed figures on display December 23 in the city of Oaxaca, during Noche de Rábanos and to decorate the graves of loved ones during Días de Muertos in San Antonino.
As I’ve previously mentioned, each village seems to have its own unique traditions for the Days of the Dead. Villagers here mix the area’s very fine dirt with water, cover the graves, use a trowel to smooth it, outline designs and religious imagery into the dried coating, and then use flowers (fresh and dried), to paint the scene. Entire families are involved, young and old, and the atmosphere is filled with joy, purpose, and most of all… Love.
For a very special moment, that is a metaphor the two days spent at San Antonino, see Chris’s post, Moments make a life..
Absolutely lovely! I was unaware of this variation of grave decoration. Thanks so much.
Wow Shannon – you’ve done such an exquisite job with your coverage and photos of Dias de los Muertos in Oaxaca and now this great story on San Antonino’s great artistic flower covered altars etc.
I hadn’t known about it either!
Be sure and go out there on Good Thursday(I think) as they do a wonderful procession of ‘giving’ to the church. It’s a truly spectacular showing of the community to contribute and I think there is a an auction. All sorts of things show up and are piled high in the church yard. – But first they are carried in the procession (piles of bolillos, even cell phones wrapped up like the queens jewels plus some goats and onions – not together). Check it out next year. Another ‘insiders’ event.
I really really miss the traditions, ferias, markets, color and ambiance of Oaxaca and most of all the people ….so your blog makes me feel I’m THERE! THANKS for doing a great job capturing it all.
Sheri Brautigam