Día de los Muertos: Catrinas

The imagery of skeleton faces that we see today during Día de los Muertos comes from a Mexican lithographer from the early 1900s, José Guadalupe Posada, who is known for his satirical lithographs featuring skeletons. This print entitled "La Calavera Catrina" (the elegant skull) depicting an upper-class lady in a fancy European hat, is one of his most commonly emulated images:

Día de los Muertos: Altars

At this time of year, homes and businesses put up an altar for loved ones who have passed on. An altar is generally set up in two or more levels, to represent the journey from earth to heaven.

Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos is a celebration which marks the return of the souls of our departed loved ones to earth. For their homecoming, graves and altars are decorated with beautiful flowers and delicious foods for them to enjoy.

Oaxacan flowers

I have never lived in a city with so many flowering trees as Oaxaca. They are everywhere, and the flowers aren't tiny little things - they're big and colorful, and there is something blooming all year round. 

Ayotzinapa Notes

In case you haven't been following the Ayotzinapa tragedy in Mexico and want some information about it, here are my notes on the events since September. Most of the info comes from articles which I've linked to at the bottom.

オアハカの紹介

Photo from GoGringo.com

日本人の友達にメキシコのオアハカ州を紹介したいです。