The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Muertos in San Antonino Castillo Velasco

"An ocean of flowers," is how I always describe the panteon or cemetery in San Antonino Castillo Velasco for Muertos.  I think it is one of the most beautiful places to visit and not only now, but at any time, and especially for Semana Santa.  But for Muertos?... It just doesn't get any better.
People are so friendly and happy even though there is a touch of sadness in the background.  I just can't imagine anything this special happening in cemeteries in El Norte.
There is a contest for grave decoration and the work is like many things Oaxaqueno, creative and wonderfully artistic.  San Antonino is known for its flowers and produce.
The work is delicate and meticulous.
And so beautiful...
It's a family affair, often with food and music and kids running around. 
It warms the soul.  As I say, this is how it should be.  People are not afraid or sad because of death.  It's natural. They welcome the spirits back, the ones they remember, respect and carry always in their hearts and thoughts.
Such a wonderful tradition and this year was a particularly beautiful celebration.  Maybe it was all the rain, the flowers just radiated.
It was a blessing to be there as the sun bathed us all in its light.
And there's more to come.... but for now....

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, thank you.