For anyone who still wonders why in the world I have chosen to live in and thrive in Oaxaca, go see the latest Pixar movie, Coco.
Entrance to the Panteón de Xochimilco, Oaxaca – Oct. 31, 2017
The filmmakers “based the Rivera family — a multigenerational matriarchy headed by Miguel’s formidable abuelita, or grandmother — on real-world families with whom they embedded while visiting the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guanajuato between 2011 and 2013.” (How Pixar Made Sure ‘Coco’ Was Culturally Conscious)
Panteón in San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca – Nov. 4, 2017
From the elaborately embroidered blouses and animated fantastical alebrije to the cemeteries and “life” of Día de los Muertos, Oaxaca provided an inspiration for the film. (Coco, la nueva película de Disney-Pixar inspirada en Oaxaca)
Panteón San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca – Nov. 4, 2017
It is the music and messiness, color and cacophony, and finding joy in just being.
Panteón San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca – Nov. 4, 2017
“We absorbed details in every place that we visited, but the most valuable thing was the time we spent with Mexican families.” (How Coco’s Directors Celebrated the Film’s Mexican Heritage)
Ofrenda display in the Biblioteca Pública Central de Oaxaca Margarita Maza de Juárez – Oct. 31, 2017
It is the Oaxaca of fiestas, street dogs, and papel picado.
Papel picado projected on the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Oaxaca – Oct. 30, 2017
Above all, it is about the importance of family, living and dead…
Public ofrenda in the atrium of the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Oaxaca – Oct. 31, 2017
“With all of its music and folklore and artwork, and the story itself, audiences so far feel Coco respects their families, living and remembered.” (Mexico, Music And Family Take Center Stage In ‘Coco’)
Panteón Municipal de Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca – Nov. 1, 2017
And, respect for one’s heritage and traditions.
Panteón San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca – Nov. 4, 2017
This is the Oaxaca I fell in love with and treasure.
Panteón San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca – Nov. 4, 2017
This is the Oaxaca that captured by heart, daily enriches my life, and I call home.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
It was, indeed, a shining fantasy.
So glad it finally came out in the USA. It’s a huge hit here in Mexico and “fingers crossed” it will be in el norte, too.
thank you shannon, i have shared this with my friends in the US, too. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Nancy!
Amen hermana. I was only an observer
for a week in Oaxca for Dia Los Muertos, but i found Coco to be so true and real. A tour de force which filled me with such joy. The filmmakers are to be commended for their efforts to respect the culture and represent it so accurately and with so much artistry.
Yes! And I think the Pixar gang is teaching Disney a thing or two about sensitivity.
Thanks for this amazing endorsement of “Coco”. I have already encouraged by friends and family back home to see this beautiful movie to get a glimpse into life in Oaxaca, but with your permission, I will share your blog with them. – Hope to see you soon!
Muchas gracias Sylvia. Yes, of course you are are welcome to share!
My kids were here for DDLM and came away understanding the pull Oaxaca has on me. They’ve now seen COCO in the states and love to speak “authoritatively” on its authenticity to their friends.
How very wonderful for Disney to do this movie and thanks as always for your wonderful blog, Shannon. I must forward it to all of my family members. I know you won’t mind.
I loved the film and really felt Oaxaca in it. I sent a note to my family to go see it and Mamacita added a link to your blog so the family could know more about it. I see she sent you a note above. You know she loves your blogs. 😎
A truly spectacular yet humble, and very human place on Earth.
I, too, shared your words on my Facebook page, Shannon. Muchas gracias for expressing so beautifully why we love Oaxaca!
¡Muchisimas gracias a ti!
Thanks again for your wonderful blog. I, too, love Oaxaca. My time here is enriched by your perspective.
Judy Burrell