Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is one of the most enchanting and captivating cities of southern Mexico. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it encompasses the country’s diverse stages of history—pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary—and is renowned for its music, gastronomy, handicrafts, and traditions.

One of the most important Oaxacan traditions is the celebration of Day of the Dead, an intimate family observance where locals gather in their homes to pay tribute to their ancestors, who are celebrated with honor. It is believed that their souls return to visit, and for that reason families prepare altars laden with their favorite food and drink, adorned by orange flowers known as cempasuchitl. These petals also lead up to the altars, helping the dead find their way.

Coming out of retirement to once again lead this workshop, Oaxaca-based photographer Marcela Taboada offers participants the chance to photograph the colorful Day of the Dead celebrations in her hometown. During this extraordinary rich photographic week, you turn your lenses on family altars, sand tapestries, market scenes, and graveyards full of candles and flowers, as well as on unique festivities during excursions outside the city. Our host in Oaxaca is the Hotel Parador de Alcalá (paradordealcalaoaxaca.mx), located on a pedestrian-only street where various comparsas (dances and parades) are held just outside the front door.

This is Marcela’s fifth time leading this unique Day of the Dead program, and Mexican photographer Ita Gelada once again handles logistics and choreographs the many activities spread over this full week. Marcela leads group meetings for discussions on photographic practices and to review your new images. In addition, Marcela offers individual one-on-one sessions to assist you in improving your personal approach to photography. All the while, you immerse yourself in the natural light and people of Oaxaca—a splendid and unique cultural venue perfect for visual exploration.