Day of the Dead in Colonial Mexico

Capture the rich cultural ceremonies on display during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)—a special festival traditionally observed in Mexico that encompasses Halloween, Día de los Niños, and All Souls Day. We will immerse in all aspects of the celebration spanning from the elaborate preparations into the rich festivities.

Over the course of this annual celebration, we witness remembrances and joyful commemoration as families and friends gather to honor the return of souls of the departed. We watch as wild marigolds are gathered, candles poured and sugar skulls created for display in homes and public spaces to be part of the richly decorated ornate ofrendas (altars). Costumed children and revelers with painted faces watch join in parades and a spirit of remembrance takes over the city.

As photographers chronicling these sacred events, we seek always to connect, moving slowly and honoring the traditions of the region. From our base in San Miguel de Allende, we respectfully visit nearby cemeteries where we find decorated grave sites, roaming mariachi bands, and families brought together for memorial picnics. In addition to spending full days taking advantage of photographic opportunities, we also engage in critique sessions, during which Jennifer and Michael provides valuable feedback and instruction.

By the end of our Día de los Muertos Workshop you’ll have a wealth of meaningful images documenting the people, places, colors, and customs of an unforgettable Mexican celebration.