Mexico & Beyond

We always relish attending the various DoD celebrations that are unique to Mexico. We went to Chapala where the traditional altars were lined up in front of the church. The altars take many hours to construct and are taken down 24 hours later. Many of them were created by students from the Chapala high school and celebrated the lives of historic figures from Mexico and other countries. Spanish and English biographies of the honorees were augmented by the students who answered questions posed by passersby, and which provided excellent opportunities for practicing English. Later, we ate at a restaurant by the lake where young folklorico dancers performed traditional dances from various parts of Mexico that required 5 changes of their costumes. Celebrations continued through the weekend and on Sunday we were at a restaurant in San Juan Cosala where dancers performed prehispanic rituals dressed in amazing costumes.

American Halloween themes are creeping in DoD celebrations

An elaborate religious altar

Most of the Catrinas are female but this is a Catrino

A proud display of DoD makeup

1910 Revolution leader, Emiliano Zapata, taking a break!

Catrinas are created with all sorts of materials

Cleopatra lending her royal presence to the celebration

An aspiring Catrina

The makeup covers some beautiful and handsome faces

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Tequila, anyone?

(Some of the photos in this blog were taken by Barbara)