Dia de los Muertos. San Andres, Mexico. Four Families.

November 1st 2013

San Andres, Mexico

On November 1st, all over Mexico, families gather together in cemeteries to clean their loved one’s tombs and decorate them with flowers and candles.  They stay most of the day and many times all night, keeping each other company and grieving together.  Flowers are seen everywhere bringing some comfort in a place where, it is obvious, there is much sorrow. 

This  photo essay is about four families that allowed me to experience the true meaning of “Day of the dead” and for which I am truly honored.

Family One

Family one is giving tribute to their mother.  She is buried at their family’s lot and all three lots were  beautifully decorated.

I witnessed first hand how they worked together to make something beautiful out of sadness and grief. 

It was an honor to be allowed into such a private moment and space.

Family  two

A beautiful family of 2, grandmother and granddaughter decorating the grandfather’s space.

Many times the shortest moments dictate so much in life.

Family Three

Father, three sons and a daughter decorated the mother’s space. No words were spoken, only some directions from their sister.  What a beautiful silent way to show brotherhood and share feelings.

Family Four

Day of the Death ofrenda at home.

The family of the departed place an “ofrenda” at home.  Friends and neighbors bring candles, fruit and flowers to help decorate the ofrenda.  The family is never left alone and in return the family cooks for their guests

Meet Guadalupe Macedo, she is at home, entering her dear husband’s Adolfo Macedo Jaimes ofrenda.

What an honor and humbling experience!

Photography by Pauline Stevens shop @ Red Birds House