Día de Muertos: Living and Death Dancing Together

Often mistakenly called “Mexican Halloween” by people north of Mexico, Día de Muertos — Day of the Dead — is so much more than just costumes and play. It is a way to pay homage, respect and love to ancestors and those who came before and have passed on. And far from the denial, fear or reserved approach many European cultures have towards death, it can often take a humorous tone with recent decades bringing the beautiful, artistic and vividly colourful costumes most widely associated with the event.

Here in Winnipeg, well north of centres like Mexico City, Oaxaca or Puebla, locals of Mexican background gathered at The Forks to observe the Day of the Dead. Thanks to everyone who was so warm and gracious in helping me make these photographs, and to the organizers for helping make it happen!