This time last year I was in Mexico for Day of the Dead festivities. So much has changed with events cancelled all over the world, even though they may have been going on for many, many years. I suspect that there might be some small gatherings but I understand that the cemeteries are closed and I doubt there are parades. My first stop was Mexico City which is a vibrant, jam packed metropolis. I've decided to revisit my photographs and take a look at the city again and the events that happen there for the last days of October. It's impossible to not notice the ornate architecture and presence of art.
In the main zocalo there are vendors, indigenous people quite often, selling their wares. These are examples of feathered head dress which were spectacular.
Our group visited the Palacio Nacional where Diego Rivera fresco murals are housed (one a a few locations). These enormous murals extend for several floors and it's very obvious that Diego told stories with his painting, even as he recorded the history of the city. Familiar faces can be spotted from time to time, including Frida Kahlo and Diego. This mural depicts a local dentist and doctor as well as tables spread with food.
There was a bug show at the Palacio Nacional with these ants made of dried vines and twigs.
The show would not be complete with out an alebrije bee.
The Mexico City post office is one of many architectural wonders.
As was the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Marigolds are the flowers of the season, decorating ofrendas, gravesites, buildings, and all manor of shops. The front of this restaurant displayed an entire façade of marigold flowers, placed one by one.
Ofrendas are not as common here as the are in further south, particularly in Oaxaca, but can be found. The small and large ofrendas are built to remember those that have parted and offer them items they enjoyed. Photographs are placed and candles are lit, all to celebrate The Day of the Dead.
A visit to Frida Kahlo's blue house was a big highlight and most of the house was kept as she left it. This is one of her easels with art supplies and the view of her courtyard.
The kitchen was colorful and bright, a warm and cozy setting.
After the accident that left Frida immobilized, she painted many self portraits.
My sister and I managed to meet up with Elin (we attended high school together in Mexico City) at the San Angel Inn, which was fabulous. Elin decided to live in Mexico and I have been fortunate to meet up with her twice in the last few years. There are many times that I envy her life.
We would be off to Oaxaca soon and I will share some photographs that haven't been shared yet. Since I'm home I carved my Halloween pumpkins again and would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween.
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