Day of the Dead: The History of a Celebration

Artes de Mexico magazine

oct 2024 · Abrams

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A stunning bilingual, illustrated, and photographic account of a celebrated Mexican tradition

The lively Mexican holiday of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) brings together sorrow and laughter, drawing from indigenous traditions of celebrating one’s ancestors and loved ones who have been lost. It’s a day of serenity, family, and exuberant creativity, where sugar and skulls can exist side by side. In this bilingual book, beloved Mexican art and culture magazine Artes de México creates a stunning written, illustrated, and photographic account that takes readers through the tradition’s origins, its history and evolution, and the many ways it is celebrated today.

Alongside the visually stunning displays of altars, cemeteries, costumes, and festivities, a group of renowned Mexican writers has contributed essays that cover topics including the holiday’s rural and urban distinctions, occult ancestry, and Indigenous rituals. Their words are imbued with spectacular personal significance—and impressive academic rigor—as they recount local legends, family traditions, and tales of life, death, and wandering souls.

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Artes de México is a magazine that promotes and disseminates the cultural diversity of Mexico in all its creative manifestations. Since its inception 28 years ago, the magazine has been linked to the most important writers, researchers, and creators, and has been recognized with more than 150 national and international awards. Dr. Alberto Ruy Sánchez and Margarita de Orellana are the publishers of Artes de México.