These photographs were made in and around Oaxaca, Mexico in late-October/early-November 2004 during the annual celebration of Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos).

Unlike many Western cultures, in much of Mexico Dia de Los Muertos treats death in an uplifting, celebratory way. Families go to the graves of their ancestors, cleaning them, weeding them, and decorating them with flowers, candles, and photographs of the deceased. Quite often, the departed's favorite brand of tequila, mezcal, cerveza, or traditional Mexican food are set atop the grave. Family and friends gather on November 2nd, spending the day and much of the night affectionately remembering the dead. These photographs were made in two locations--the San Miguel pantheon, the city cemetery in Oaxaca, and in the two small cemeteries in the nearby town of Xoxo.

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