The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican tradition from the more southerly parts of the country. Such days are celebrated in various forms throughout the world. As populations migrate, so do their holidays, and this holiday is much better than Halloween!
Yesterday, there was Dia de los Muertos in a local cemetery. There were altars for lost ones, with photos and memorabilia and objects they liked; remembrances, some poignant, some funny; there were marigolds everywhere; and there were booths, dancing, cultural events and more.
The cemetery itself is new; there are no fancy headstones and rusting gates. Tucked against a mountain with vistas of the plain below, it is a rather pleasant place to come. Ranchland spreads out to the city and hills beyond. Last night’s remaining rain clouds filled the sky. Altogether, it was a beautiful day, for the living or the dead.
A couple of friends and I got to the cemetery around 11 in the morning. It wasn’t crowded, but still had enough people to make it busy. For me, the most interesting subjects to photograph were the people, especially the kids. Click on a picture below to start a slide show.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 