I've had a particular interest in Mexico and all that the country entails since I was a child. More specifically, the Day of the Dead has always intrigued me. After my dad passed away in 2020, it became increasingly pressing to learn about it and experience it first hand. The thought of a celebration where I can honor my dad's new state of being, remember him for who he was, and potentially him making his way to this physical realm to visit for a day blew my mind and swelled up my heart. I experienced the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico in its two very different forms: the beautifully colorful and chaotic touristy side, and the traditional and more intimate side of it.
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A special thank you to my friend and her family who opened their doors and hearts and let me be a part of this unbelievably special celebration.
They shared with me more than a recipe and cultural knowledge. Making tamales on the last day of the Day of the Dead while photographing it, talking, laughing and learning, made me realize that my camera is merely the means to all the sharing of stories and experiences outside of my own that I am now being a part of. They are not just in front of my camera in that moment in time resulting in these images. They share with me as I share with them all that we have to offer each other. My camera is just a beautiful excuse for something greater. Something I live and breathe for: shared experiences.
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While walking the streets of my friend's town in Oaxaca, we were invited into homes to take a look at their ofrendas (altars). People were so welcoming and open to sharing their beliefs and feelings towards their culture and practice.
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The Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City is a different but equally beautiful experience. It was my desire to document both the similarities and differences of both sides of this unique and important celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico.
