Día de los Muertos

Last night was one of the most incredible and unique nights of dance, theatre and music I have experienced in eight years living in London. At the same time it was one of the most frustrating,  because for once my trusty Samsung Galaxy S3 wasn't up to the job, and I wish I'd taken my proper camera with me. No disrespect to my S3 as the lighting conditions were such that many a compact camera would have struggled. So it was a welcome relief when finally my phone battery 'gave up the ghost' and I was free to fully immerse myself in the rest of the shpw.

Día de los Muertos ('Day of the dead') is a  three days festival, and national holiday in Mexico,  where families gather together to celebrate the lives of those that they have lost and pray for their souls. It is often  associated with Halloween (All Hallows Eve) that is celebrated on 31st October throughout many western countries with its roots in Paganism and Celtic Christianity. However, the origins of 'Día de los Muertos' date back thousands of years, to the Aztec festivals celebrating the Lady of the Dead, the goddess Mictecacihuatl. It wasn't until much later when Spain conquered the Aztecs and introduced Catholicism, that Dia de los Muertos custom's became intertwined with the Roman Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day.   

Traditionally ,November 1st  is Día de los Inocentes ("Day of the Innocents"), the day to honor children and infants who have died , and November 2 is the actual Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. To celebrate, people would build altars, and make offerings(ofrendas) to the dead - including some of their most personal posession or favourite food or drink.

So if like me you were out last night having a few drinks, dancing and celebrating 'Día de los muertos' , don't forget  the real reason for the party and take a moment to reflect on the good memories of love ones you've lost.

Rich Mix ( Movimientos Event) , East London ( Shot on a Samsung Galaxy S3)