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Exciting travel photography and photojournalism opportunities combine in many areas of Mexico for the Día de los Muertos, of Day of the Dead, an event that arose during the Aztec culture. At first glimpse, this holiday appears to be similar to Halloween, because it begins at midnight on October 31st and skull and skeleton likenesses appear everywhere. But the similarities end there.

Día de los Muertos is a happy celebration.

The culture treats death as simply another stage of the soul. This holiday is one of remembrance and reverence; elaborate decorations, music and feasting are laid on to invite those passed on to return in spirit to sample the tastes, scents and songs they enjoyed in life. Graveyard are washed and dressed in vibrant flowers and altars; everyone is in a festival mood. Crowds preparing for the holiday offer amazing opportunity for interesting photojournalism. Nightime vigils are illuminated with thousands of candles and fireworks, along with dances and performances. 

We love San Miguel de Allende, the colonial town in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, because it is so tourist friendly and the old town area retains the flavor and classic buildings.

In spite of the number of ex-pats and the natural modernization of shops and restaurants in this popular artists’ destination, you have a very real sense of stepping back in time. There is so much to do and see on every street corner, all you have to do is be out and about with a camera to find yourself in the midst of interesting events. In the graveyards and at performances, everyone is taking pictures. The visitor therefore will experience little of the typical problems of access, languages and safety. Accommodations are beautiful and plentiful and there are lots of inexpensive restaurants. Did I mention great shopping?

The Days of the Dead are November 1st and 2nd, corresponding to the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. November 1st is the day for children; I’ve heard it called the Día de los Innocentes or Día de los Angelitos - the little innocents or little angels. The main night starts at dusk on the 1st and celebrations go on all night welcoming all the spirits of the departed. Photographers want to arrive early and stay out late. The serious photojournalist will not stand out as obnoxious or intrusive.

This is a time of unconditional hospitality.

If you go, check out possible classes with the Santa Fe Workshops, Flying Colors Art Workshops or Traditions Mexico. 

For further reading:

• San Miguel de Allende on Wikipedia
• San Miguel de Allende on VisitMexico.com
• Day of the Dead on Wikipeida
• How is Day of the Dead Celebrated?