On Location – Patzcuaro, Mexico

Art was just in Patzcuaro, Mexico, photographing the Day of the Dead festival.  During this holiday families gather for prayer and remembrance of departed family members.  They clean and decorate cemeteries and churches, and celebrate life. Here is what Art had to say about the experience-

“Most Americans don’t deal with death in a straight forward manner.  As a culture we tend to make it a subject of much avoidance.  When I was asked to shoot the Dia de los Muertos in southwestern Mexico earlier this month, I approached it with great interest and naivete.  As I photographed in the days leading up to the holiday, I began to understand just how important it is, even more so than Christmas.  I was deeply moved by the way the community prepared for the Day of the Dead, vigorously cleaning churchyards and decorating cemeteries in colorful blankets of flowers, glowing candles, and overflowing baskets of food.  The holiday is not sad, but rather a celebration of life and love and family.  What I initially thought would be somber was, in fact, hugely uplifting and illuminating, both spiritually and photographically.”

NEW! Day of the Dead, Mexico – Images by Art Wolfe