The difuntos have begun arriving and, like every year on November 1, I escape the tourist craziness of the city to spend time in the tranquility of the panteón in Tlacolula de Matamoros. Under the dappled sunlight of early afternoon, families clean, bring flowers, and celebrate. The departed must have nourishment for their travel between the world of the living and dead, thus fruit, nuts, bread, and beverages are placed on the graves.
The difuntos also seem to appreciate artistry.
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So incredibly beautiful, arranged like the still-lifes painted by Old Masters. And Coca-Cola does not appear to have crept into the formula to entice the departed back the way it has become entrenched in traditions in Chiapas. Although Adelaida evidently does need her marshmallows….
Adelaida must have been very good, thus deserving of dessert. 😉
your photos of the altars show a refreshing simplicity. after a night of hearing blaring disco (??) music from my apartment and successfully avoiding the unreal crowds, i put myself this morning in your peaceful escape. thank you.
Thank you! For me, Día de Muertos is about bringing chocolate, pan de muertos, and mezcal to nourish and honor the difuntos of friends and acknowledging the care and love expressed in the cemeteries. Alas, every year, there are more and more comparsas in el Centro. In the past, they were mostly held in neighborhoods. I think the recent explosion of comparsas are the result of tourist demand. The 2015 James Bond movie, Spectre, inspired Mexico City to begin staging a giant comparsa through the city.
How I love these photos. It was wonderful to see the details. Much love nd care went into these.
Thank you! Yes, much love and honor and care.
I went to Lake Patzcuaro in 1968, shortly after the National Geographic had a cover photo of Janitzio Island on Day of the Dead. We took a boat, in the dark, to the island. Only the women and children were sitting in the cemetery, the men were drinking Tequila in town. The only decoration was candles and flowers and food. No costumes or makeup. We were not allowed to take any photos (flash would have been necessary) and it was considered a sacred event. No talking. It was very quiet. It was a life changing event for me. It gave me a new understanding of death and less fear of dying.
I love all the new decorations and art surrounding Muertos, but the traditional ways had more meaning. Now it is more of a party. Thanks for sharing these lovely momentos to the departed.
The traditional ways in many (most?) of the indigenous villages continue and is being passed on to the younger generation.
So beautiful and lovingly created. Lovely photos.
Thank you. There is such care and respect taken by the families!