AISLING MURRAY

Dating back to Aztec times “Dia de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” is an annual holiday celebrated throughout Mexico from the night of November 1st into the dawn hours of November 2nd. During this time families gather and hold vigil at the final resting place of their loved ones.Each grave is lovingly decorated with orange marigold flowers, which represent death in Mexican culture and lit candles of many sizes. I’m transported to another world when I enter the Santa Maria Atzompa cemetery in Oaxaca, Mexico with traces of mezcal in the air and the hum of Mexican music in the distant background. Looking through my viewfinder each frame is filled with darkness except for the flickering candles and orange flowers that frame the silhouettes of people.

I’m mindful walking around the cemetery due to the darkness; making sure not to disturb the sleeping bodies wrapped in blankets locking the chilly night air out. As minutes tick by into hours that lead to dawn, the shafts of sunlight rising through the fog adds a spiritual energy to the awakening atmosphere. People are starting to stir and begin to end their vigil. Prayers are said, tears fall, and candles are blown out.

The Dia de los Muertos festivities continue for many days after November 2nd. Travelling to Ixtlan de Juarez in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca I experienced and witnessed the festival beyond the night in the cemetery more intimately. Photos, mementos of the deceased and their favorite food, with candles and flowers

are placed on the altar, created in homes to honor the dead. People dress in costumes during this time to honor Mictecacihuatl the Goddess of Death in Aztec mythology, while many opt for skeleton painted faces and an array of other fancy dress outfits. 

Dia de los Muertos is a special and beautiful tradition that focuses on the gathering of family and friends to pray for and to pay tribute to their ancestors.

I went to Oaxaca to photograph this holiday of death, though what I found equally incredible is how Mexicans celebrate all aspects of life during this annual festival.