A couple weeks late, but still wort it – a few pictures illustrating the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations in San Miguel de Allende.
It’s been over two weeks since the Day of the Dead festivities took place, but even though late, I think it’s still worth posting anyway.
Despite it’s name, Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead is a two days holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on November 1st and 2nd. Related to globally renowned Catholic religious holidays of All Saints and All Souls, in Mexico it is also a National Holiday. Unlike the USA, where the tradition is almost non-existent (not to confuse with Halloween) or Poland where the events are very serious, mournful and dark, in Mexico the celebrations are very cheerful and vivid. Even though adopted by Christians, the tradition actually dates back to the indigenous cultures, and in particular to the ancient Aztec rituals and festivals dedicated to the goddess called Mictecacihuatl. Like in Poland, people go to cemeteries to commemorate the dead, but that’s about all in terms of similarities. Day of the Dead in Mexico is a joyful holiday. People use food, fruits, memorabilia and tons of colorful paper to build offering altars, not only for their loved ones, but also for well known celebrities and public figures. Only the deceased ones, of course.
Indians dancing around a fountain in a small square in San Rafael district of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
Mariachis playing in the courtyard of a Public Library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:10, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 70.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 800
Altar of a local patron in a courtyard of a Public Library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:11, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 28.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 200
Paintings made by children in Public Library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:11, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 9.5, 28.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 200
Courtyard of a Public Library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico adorned for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On that day, author Robert de Gast was also signing his books at the library.
30-Oct-2011 12:11, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Local children with their mothers are looking at an altar dedicated to a local patron on a courtyard of a Public Library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. In the background, a group of tourists waiting for a tour of local properties is observing the scene. In the front, few kids are painting pictures.
30-Oct-2011 12:13, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 45.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 200
Alex making a donation to a band of mariachis singing and playing in the courtyard of a public library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:14, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 70.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 400
Agnieszka and the kids listening to the band of mariachis singing and playing in the courtyard of a public library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:14, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.022 sec, ISO 400
Agnieszka and the kids watching local boys working on their paintings on the Day of the Dead. A group of tourists listening to mariachis on the courtyard of a public library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:15, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 200
Agnieszka and the kids watching local boys working on their paintings on the Day of the Dead. A group of tourists listening to mariachis on the courtyard of a public library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:15, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 3.8, 28.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200
Alex looking at the details of a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) altar build in public library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Well, I guess he's also picking his nose...
30-Oct-2011 12:16, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 108.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 200
Agnieszka admiring an altar of a local patron in a courtyard of a public library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). In front, an exposition of children paintings and kids working on their art. In the back a group of tourists listens to a group of mariachis while waiting for their tour of local properties.
30-Oct-2011 12:16, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 200
Nadia and Alex watching local boys work on their art pieces. In the back of the courtyard, a group of tourists watch a group of mariachis sing and play during the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:17, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 4.0, 28.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200
A small cemetary, where most deceased were patrons of a public library in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:25, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 85.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 400
Candle smoke on an altar of a local patron of a public library. In background, Nadia watching kids work on their paintings on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:54, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 200.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 800
Nadia watching kids work on their paintings on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 12:54, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 200.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 400
An electrician preparing power distribution board for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 13:13, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 135.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Decorations hanging from a balcony on one of the streets of San Miguel de ALlende, Mexico during teh Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations.
30-Oct-2011 13:29, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 108.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 800
Central square (Jardin Allende) closed for traffic during Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. View form San Francisco street towards Jardin Allende.
30-Oct-2011 13:30, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 45.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 200
Parroquia, the parish church is a focal point of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. In front, colorful decorations in preparations of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
30-Oct-2011 13:33, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 28.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Parroquia, the parish church is a focal point of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. In front, colorful decorations in preparations of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
30-Oct-2011 13:34, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 28.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Looking up the Correo street through paper cut-outs adorning the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 13:35, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 108.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 200
A man setting up a pole with two skulls on a central square (Jardin Allende) in front of the Parroquia, a parish church in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. In the back view of the Correo street.
30-Oct-2011 13:36, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 85.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 200
An Aztec painting on a cobblestone street in front of teh Parroquia on the main square (Jardin Allende) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
30-Oct-2011 13:36, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 11.0, 28.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 200
A man setting up a pole with two skulls on the stage in front of a Parroquia, on a centarl square (Jardin Allende) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
30-Oct-2011 13:36, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 55.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 200
Street vendors selling hand crafted items on a cobblestone front yard of the Parroquia on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 14:07, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 135.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 800
A window with Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) decorations on one of the streets of downtown San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
30-Oct-2011 14:50, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 28.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
A candle and guava offerings on the streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:13, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 85.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 800
A painting made out of colorful beans and rice on a cobblestone street in front of the Parroquia, on a central square (Jardin Allende) of San miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:13, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 4.5, 28.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 200
An altar dedicated to the deceased Polish pope John Paul II in the central square (Jardin Allende) of San miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:15, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 800
Nadia and Alex examining beans painting of an offering altar on a cobblestone street of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in front of the Parroquia on the central square (Jardin Allende) on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:16, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 400
Robert in a Oberschlesien t-shirt standing on a cobblestone street adjecent to the central square (Jardin Allende) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. In the background, the parish church (Parroquia) and paper cut-outs for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:16, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 28.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Paper cut-outs and a skeleton poster on display in front of a parish church (Parroquia) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:17, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 70.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Paper cut-outs and a skeleton riding a horse poster on display in front of a parish church (Parroquia) near the central square (Jardin Allende) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexicco on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:17, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 200.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 400
A statue of Fray Juan de San Miguel in front of the parrish church (Parroquia) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico decorated as altar on the Day of the dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:17, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 85.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 200
Paper ccut-outs above the streets in front of the parish church (Parroquia) adjacent to the main square (Jardin Allende) in San Migguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 16:18, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 13.0, 45.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 200
People walking in front of the parish church (Parroquia) adjacent to the main square (Jardin Allende) in San Miguel de ALlende, Mexico. The streets are decorated with paper cut-outs to celebrate the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). In the background also altars and bean paintings on the streets.
31-Oct-2011 17:14, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 55.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Paper cut-outs decorating streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:14, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 9.5, 85.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 200
Altars prepared on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in the main square (Jardin Allende) and adjacent streets. On the first plan kids playing soccer (football) with a tourist.
31-Oct-2011 17:14, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
The whole family sitting on a cast iron bench in Jardin Allende, the main square of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:16, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.022 sec, ISO 400
Robert and the kids sitting on a cast iron bench in Jardin Allende, main square of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. They are eating Pan de Muerte, a special kind of cake prepared only once a year, especially for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:17, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.022 sec, ISO 200
Nadia and Alex playing in Jardin Allende, main square of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:22, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 400
Mexican boy, standing on a cobblestone street of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is pointing at a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertes) altar near the main square (Jardin Allende) in front of the Parroquia (parish church).
31-Oct-2011 17:31, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 45.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 400
Mexican girl standing on a cobblestone street is looking at a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) altar on the main square (Jardin Allende) neaar Parroquia (parish church) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Above her, a boy is playing with a ball on a string.
31-Oct-2011 17:32, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.022 sec, ISO 400
A Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) offering altar in main square (Jardin Allende) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 17:32, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 400
A Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) altar dedicated to a local patron in a courtyard of a house near main square (Jardin Allende) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A Starbucks is also located in this building.
31-Oct-2011 17:35, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 4.5, 28.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800
A cross on top of a Parroquia (parich church) tower and a moon seen through paper cut-out decorations for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 17:49, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 28.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 200
A church, adjecent to the Parroquia (parish church) near the main square (Jardin Allende) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico viewed through paper cut-out decorations for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:49, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 45.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 200
A church, adjecent to the Parroquia (parish church) near the main square (Jardin Allende) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico viewed through paper cut-out decorations for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:49, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 70.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 200
Alex playing in Jardin Allende, in front of the Parroquia (parish church) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Paper cut-out decorations above the street have been prepared for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations. Behind Alex, a man is taking a picture of the Parroquia, while another one is closing transaction with a street vendor selling hats and rugs.
31-Oct-2011 17:50, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 28.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 200
Mexican man looking at a straw hat, while another behind him is trying on a mask, which seems to be very amusing for the children standing in front of him. The scene takes place under colorful paper cut-out decorations in front of Parroquia on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 17:50, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 45.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 200
A church, adjecent to the Parroquia (parish church) near the main square (Jardin Allende) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico viewed through paper cut-out decorations for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:52, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 55.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 200
A church, adjecent to the Parroquia (parish church) near the main square (Jardin Allende) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico viewed through paper cut-out decorations for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:52, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 28.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 200
Street vendor selling hats in front of a c church, adjecent to the Parroquia (parish church) near the main square (Jardin Allende) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico viewed through paper cut-out decorations for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).
31-Oct-2011 17:52, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 28.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 200
Entire family under paper cut-out decorations, in front of the scene and auditorium build between the main square (Jardin Allende) and the Parroquia (parish church) on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 17:55, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 4.5, 28.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200
Entire family in front of the Parroquia (parish church) under paper cut-out decorations for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 17:55, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 28.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 200
Alex looking at altars in front of the Parroquia (parish church) near main square (Jardin Allende) on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 17:56, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 70.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 200
Peanuts and beans forming a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) picture on a cobblestone street in front of teh Parroquia (parish church) near main square (Jaedin Allende) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 17:57, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 8.0, 108.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 800
A statue of Fray Juan de San Miguel covered in colorful paper cut-outs forming an offering altar for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). In background the Parroquia (parish church) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
31-Oct-2011 18:08, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 4.5, 28.0mm, 0.022 sec, ISO 200
An offering altar for Steve Jobs on the Day of the Dead (Dia de las Muertos) one of the streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
01-Nov-2011 18:07, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 6.7, 85.0mm, 0.011 sec, ISO 400
An offering altar for Steve Jobs on the Day of the Dead (Dia de las Muertos) one of the streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
01-Nov-2011 18:08, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 400
01-Nov-2011 18:08, PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K100D , 5.6, 28.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 400
Since we’ve arrived in San Miguel three days before the holiday, we had an opportunity to see not only the parades on the day of the holiday, but also to witness all preparations. As already mentioned above, the most distinct feature of the day are altars. While walking around town, we’ve came across many altars dedicated to local patrons, saints, but we’ve also spotted a few build for John Paul II and… Steve Jobs.
Technically speaking, the term Dia de los Muertos or Dia de los Difuntos (both mean the Day of the Dead) is only applicable to November 2nd, as this is the day to commemorate deceased adults. It sounds a little creepy, but the first of November is solely dedicated to children and therefore called Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) or Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels). The adults get bottles of tequila, the children get toys and favorite candies on their altars and on their graves. Sugar skulls and Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead) are easily available everywhere around town.
In different parts of San Miguel de Allende there were many festivities, most of them unannounced and rather spontaneous. As an example, on Sunday, the day before Dia de los Angelitos, we were touring the Centro. We have spent an entire afternoon walking around the aged downtown, admiring beautiful buildings, churches, museums and restaurants. Finally, when we got tired of these tourist attractions, we returned home. Entering our Colonia (district of town or neighborhood) we’ve spotted people dancing in front of a bone stone church in a very poor neighborhood. From a distance it looked like a wedding ceremony, but when we got closer we realized that something was off.
First it was the music. Even though I really don’t speak Spanish, I quickly figured the meaning of “Me gusta Marijuana”, repeated in a chorus over and over to the distinct rhythm of drums in a folk song played by local superstars. Then, there were the dancers. Men and women dancing, or rather moving rhythmically in a large circle on the top of the hill were wearing all kinds of silly, scary and plain creepy costumes. There were rock stars, skeletons, old farts and all kinds of other disguises. The scene was rather surreal, but since we were really on our last legs, we decided to call it a day.
When we turned a corner, there was another surprise. A group of men, dressed in some sort of traditional Indian costumes was dancing to the rhythm of their large drums around a small fountain in a little square adjacent to the poor church…
The most amazing was that there were no tourist around…!
