In the villages it is time to put on those dancing shoes and get ready to party hearty for about sixteen hours. There are muerteadas, elaborate costume dances, in villages all around me. They go from house to house with a killer bands. Oh, the music! A little food, some beer and mezcal, it's a party. I think there were two in my neighborhood last night, as I heard the bands each trying to play louder than the other. Six tubas can makes some serious noise. This mural is for nearby Santiago Etla. They always do it right and it's on the Pan-American highway, so it gets lots of exposure. Each year, it's more elaborate and beautiful. This one is on the outer wall of the mercado in the Villa de Etla. In this shot, you can see a traditional costume for this area, pants and vests covered with bells and mirrors that weigh a ton. I can say this from personal experience. I have no idea how they can dance starting a six in the evening and ending up at 10 AM the next morning. However, the music is infectious and you can't help but move.
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.
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
The hereafter re me
- Christopher Stowens
- Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler
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