Day of the Dead in a Typical Oaxacan Village

Day of the Dead - Cemetery, Teotitlan, Oaxaca, Mexico © John Lamkin

I arrived in the village of Teotitlán del Valle just in time for the Day of the Dead celebrations –November 1st & 2nd. I was traveling with a film crew for Starr Interiors’ Line of the Spirit™ weaving collection (Taos, New Mexico).

This being fiesta preparation time, I got to watch a village matron, Alta Gracia, who was featured in the film, fire up several barbecue pits with sizzling goat meat to be sold to the neighbors for the celebrations. I was invited to attend the family’s pre-fiesta feast where I enjoyed barbecued meat served with several of her homemade sauces, ranging from mild, but tasty, to raging hot. It was an unforgettable meal, a meal that in itself would have made the trip worthwhile, and it whet my appetite for the actual Dias le los Muertos, Day of the Dead, fiesta, for which I saw preparations being made all around. Read more at Examiner.

 

Read Full Post »

Day of the Dead – Dias de los Muertos – Oaxaca, Mexico

 

 

Susanna Starr placing photo on Altar, Cemetery Chapel – Day of the Dead – Oaxaca State, Mexico ©John Lamkin

 

Day of the Dead – Dias de los Muertos – Oaxaca, Mexico

by Susanna Starr

The Day of the Dead celebration is marked by various rituals, including the American Halloween. But in Oaxaca this holiday, known as Los Dias de los Muertos, is something that goes far beyond trick or treating and children in costumes. It is not marked by carved pumpkins and children garnering as much candy as can fill their bags.

Rather, it is a holy holiday, one that marks the celebration of those who have passed away, death being part of life. Further, it is an honoring of those who once were part of their lives, a day of remembrance. It is a day infused with a feeling of spirit. Yes, there are parades, such as the large on in Mitla with all kinds of flamboyant costumes, and major decorations in the large cemeteries, but the most important acknowledgment of this holy holiday takes place at the individual altars in each home. Read more here.

Read Full Post »

Tomorrow (10/15/2010) is the last chance to Win a $10,000 Trip to Chile Wine Regions – HURRY

 

You still have still have until October 15 (quickly!) to enter a contest sponsored by wines of Chile. The winner will receive a $10,000 dream vacation for two in Chile’s wine regions. All you have to do is draw up an itinerary for your trip and explain how you will use Twitter to promote these regions. Find the details here: tweet.winesofchile.org

Read Full Post »