Dia de los Muertos was this weekend. I've photographed this tradition numerous times back home as a staff photographer at The Albuquerque Tribune, but this was completely different. In Santiago Sacatepéuez Guatemala the ritual of kite-flying is a symbolic way to communicate with the dead. The smell of sempa (marigolds) and copal incense fills the air as families take to the cemeteries to clean and adorn the graves with candles. The kites are hand made of bamboo and paper and can be as large as 50 feet and require the entire community to raise. I had a great time making pictures, but sadly someone stole my wallet on the crowed bus ride home. Such is life...and death I guess. Bueno, ya me voy.
11.02.2008
Dia de los Difuntos
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4 comments:
looks like an amazing event. and just so you know, your day of the dead photo from NM is one of my favorite photographs ever, period. also, sorry to hear about the wallet. what a royal pain. is everything okay?
Abrazos,
J
sounds very different from the tradition practiced here. a 50ft kite?! wow!
Great photos. Linked from APAD and wanted to check out more. Well done.
atta boy, Steven! glad to see you are finding your photo groove there in guate. - j
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