Bare Hands Gallery on 21st Street South was again the venue for Birmingham's Dia de los Muertos Festival. I arrived early and have many very special photographs to share in the days to come. We'll start with some of the faces of the festival.
It is nice to see this aspect of Latino culture being observed and celebrated in Alabama during this period in which Alabama has received so much publicity due to your new immigration law.
I am definitely impressed that your fair city has a Día de los Muertos festival. Wow! How long has this been in existence? I'd love to know its history ... Guess I'll go on a google search. You selected some wonderful portraits.
For those of you who are interested in its origin, here is what I found: The Birmingham version of the festival began 9-years ago by artist Tracy Martin in honor of her late father, photographer Spider Martin. This year the festival is a memorial to the late Guillermo Castro, a local chef and restauranteur and supporter of the festival, who passed away in July. It has grown steadily over the years attracting large crowds to the 1st Avenue South parking lot. (The Birmingham News/Jeff Roberts)
Now I am thinking .. who is that handsome skeleton ... and if we could wear make up like this every day no one would ever notice the dark circles under my eyes...
I know it has deep cultural roots but this Yanqui has never quite understood El Dia de los Muertos. Wonderful street portraits but, you know, I'd rather be alive.
I wrote an article and took photos for our local Patch about a Dia de los Muertos altar. I won't post links on your blog, V, but if anyone's interested just go to my blog and there's a link on the upper left.
In researching the article (on deadline) I spoke to a local historian and author who made it clear that the holiday is so old and so complicated it was impossible to put it all together in a 500 word blurb. I did discover that archaeologists trace it back at least 3,000 years to ancient customs revering the skulls of loved ones. At least, as far as we know.
It is also intertwined with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. So, once again, the pagan and the Christian are inseparable.
Fantastic portraits, V! You already know I loved your album on Fb and, actually, I'm a big fan of the Dia de los Muertos. I remember the first time I saw an altar, it was at a Mexico ehibit in Lisbon long ago and I just WOW. Then I went to Mexico but couldn't make it in November. Although the Dia de los Muertos is present year round, I have to go back! :-)
15 comments:
belle série de masque de la fête de la mort, les maquillages sont magnifique
superbes portraits
It is nice to see this aspect of Latino culture being observed and celebrated in Alabama during this period in which Alabama has received so much publicity due to your new immigration law.
Great compilation of halloween faces. thanks for showing.
Fun faces.
I am definitely impressed that your fair city has a Día de los Muertos festival. Wow! How long has this been in existence? I'd love to know its history ... Guess I'll go on a google search. You selected some wonderful portraits.
For those of you who are interested in its origin, here is what I found:
The Birmingham version of the festival began 9-years ago by artist Tracy Martin in honor of her late father, photographer Spider Martin. This year the festival is a memorial to the late Guillermo Castro, a local chef and restauranteur and supporter of the festival, who passed away in July. It has grown steadily over the years attracting large crowds to the 1st Avenue South parking lot. (The Birmingham News/Jeff Roberts)
Now I am thinking .. who is that handsome skeleton ... and if we could wear make up like this every day no one would ever notice the dark circles under my eyes...
Daryl, you caught me! HA
Kate, thanks for supplying the info. I'm running some more photos this week and was going to have to look all that up!
Bergson, Your new profile photo would fit right in with this group! :)
V
These are gorgeous Virginia. Great set of portraits. Yes, more!
Great shots of great faces!
I know it has deep cultural roots but this Yanqui has never quite understood El Dia de los Muertos. Wonderful street portraits but, you know, I'd rather be alive.
I wrote an article and took photos for our local Patch about a Dia de los Muertos altar. I won't post links on your blog, V, but if anyone's interested just go to my blog and there's a link on the upper left.
In researching the article (on deadline) I spoke to a local historian and author who made it clear that the holiday is so old and so complicated it was impossible to put it all together in a 500 word blurb. I did discover that archaeologists trace it back at least 3,000 years to ancient customs revering the skulls of loved ones. At least, as far as we know.
It is also intertwined with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. So, once again, the pagan and the Christian are inseparable.
Oh gosh, and what I meant to say: great photos, Virginia!
Fantastic portraits, V! You already know I loved your album on Fb and, actually, I'm a big fan of the Dia de los Muertos. I remember the first time I saw an altar, it was at a Mexico ehibit in Lisbon long ago and I just WOW. Then I went to Mexico but couldn't make it in November. Although the Dia de los Muertos is present year round, I have to go back! :-)
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