Pageant of Catrinas, a photo from Baja California Sur, Baja

Photographer's Note

Mexico celebrates Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It is a holiday for remembering passed ancestors, welcoming a literal visit from those who have left us. It is believed that no one who is remembered has fully and finally died; they live on as long as they are remembered.

The "Catrina" -- a skeleton in the guise of a well-dressed woman -- is a fixture of these celebrations. The message is that -- no matter one's status while living -- death is the great equalizer.

Every year in La Paz, there is a wonderfully competitive pageant for catrina costumes. This shot is from 2010; we thought she had the best make-up!

rigoletto, jcpix, fritzi007 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

rigoletto (34279) 2013-05-30 12:15

Hi Russ,
I love the idea of "memento mori" and try to live according to it. Not for religious issues, just for the epicurean side of it, he he...
The Mexicans seem to know how to remember the deceased, but the idea of "you really die if noone remembers you anymore" is somewhat depressing. I believe in the conservation of energy. That's more consoling if you think that one day there will be noone left to remember you.
All the best,
Deniz

Periko (9107) 2013-05-30 18:31

Good shot, Russ.
Catrin (male) and catrina (female) means elegant, in the Mexican folklore.
La Catrina is a character created by the Mexican engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada in the early 20th century.

Saludos
Pedro

No_One (4) 2013-05-31 10:40

Hi Russ,
You really captured this at a fine moment, I would say that this woman looks very elegant, her dess, the way she holds the cigarette, the big floppy hat. But then of course, we must notice that she is actually a skeleton. What a cool combination :)
I have read before about the day of the dead in Mexico, and have seen tv shows that showed scenes, and I have always found it to be a fascinating event. I am really pleased to be able to enjoy this scene from it in your gallery, really nicely done.
All the best from Ireland
Noel

ACL1978 (7511) 2013-05-31 19:44

Hi Russ - glad you posted these shots of Dia de los Muertos, a really fascinating holiday. This one shows an amazing character - so elegantly dressed, except she forgot to put on skin!

Nice work in obviously tough lighting. Thanks!

Andrew

jcpix (14030) 2013-10-29 19:40

Hi Russ,

So, what do you get when you cross Carrie with one of the Karate Kid villains dressed in the skeleton costume? Why, THIS of course! :) Yeah, it must be Halloween that has once again drawn me here. This time though, it's the deep scarlet, black & white color combo that I find so appealing to go along with the pose...as if to say, " I dare you to come ask me to dance!"

I like the texture made out from the dress and hat, it contrasts well against the relatively small portion of feather we can see from behind this masked figure. I wonder though, is this a man or woman?? Not to intentionally be demeaning or careless, but if it is a woman, she's built like a surfboard!?

I find it intriguing that a culture would celebrate, even have a "day of" the dead, rather than fear death or keep it suppressed. The concept of living on through this type of event is endearing, especially when it comes to family...for me, the most important!

Curiosity begs the question, were part of this dodged perhaps, around the brim of the hat? Not that it matters, because the outcome and presentation is enough to be compelling on its own. Nicely done! Enjoy the day ahead. Take care.

All my best,

Jason

fritzi007 (14698) 2015-03-11 14:00

Hallo Russ,
in Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead, very good presentation and information.
When we die, we all the same, you're right!

many greetings
Wolfgang