One of the most celebrated traditions in Mexico is Day of the Dead. On this occasion, unique dishes are prepared, and the relatives cook for the enjoyment of the deceased. These culinary offerings are the centerpieces of the altar, which is decorated with cempasuchitl flowers. The fragrance of the flowers blend with the aroma of burnt copal.
Every year, an altar contest brings delegations from all over the state to the Plaza Grande in Merida.
During the pre-Hispanic era, death did not exist. Death was seen, instead, as simply a transition, a voyage through time and space towards true life.
The offerings, a main aspect of the celebration, echo the profound love that the Oaxacan people feel towards life. There are subtle variations in the presentation of the offerings, among the neighboring towns. In Teotitlan del Valle, for example, a predominant place is chosen in the main room of the house to erect the altar.
The Rose Horses of Zurumucapio
Distinctive to San Angel Zurumucapio is the tradition of making small rose-decorated horses and dedicating them to those who died during the year. Several members of the community dedicate themselves to this work.
Day of the Dead in Mexico represents a mixture of Christian devotion and Pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs. As a result of this mixture, the celebration comes to life as an unique Mexican tradition including an altar and offerings dedicated to the deceased.
Mary J. Andrade has traveled to Mexico in October and November since 1987 to photograph and document Day of the Dead celebrations. Her work has been collected in a series of bilingual books entitled, Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico.
She lives with her family in San Jose, California and is the Co-founder and Travel Editor of La Oferta, a weekly bilingual newspaper.
Experience Day of the Dead through her photographs and books.
Photo exhibits for museums and galleries are available. Reproductions are also for sale.
If you have questions or are interested in purchasing an image, please call (408) 436 7850 ext. 13 or send an email by clicking on the envelope icon.
Información biográfica sobre la fotógrafa y autora se encuentra en: http://www.diccionariobiograficoecuador.com/tomos/tomo23/g3.htm
Bakery windows are decorated with skeletons and verses dedicated to the deceased. People select the bread they want to offer their ancestors, a food that is later enjoyed by the family.
Texto y fotos por Mary J. Andrade
La Secretaría Federal de Turismo, en conjunto con el Consejo de Promoción Turística, así como las entidades relacionadas con la industria de la hospitalidad están preparándose para desarrollar una intensa campaña publicitaria, con el objetivo de reactivar el turismo y volver a posicionar a México como uno de los destinos más importantes del mundo, destacando y preservando, a la vez, su identidad histórica y cultural.
Texto y fotos por Mary J. Andrade Como todos los años, cuando se acerca la fecha de la celebración del Día de los Muertos en México, puedo casi sentir en mi piel la emoción que por adelantado me embarga, ante la posibilidad de volver a participar, como observadora, a la vez que como aprendiz, en los preparativos y rituales que se desarrollan durante la última semana de octubre y primeros días de noviembre