DIA DAY LOS MUERTOS

THE DAY OF THE DEAD IN OXACA, MEXICO

Oaxaca is a cultural capital.

The region is amazing and diverse.

The city of Oaxaca easily is one of the top 10 culinary destinations on the planet.

The grand churches and buildings are an architecture buff’s dream.

The surrounding small towns are historic and enchanting.

Nothing compares to the observation of Dia de los Muertos.

It runs Nov. 1 to Nov. 2 but for weeks leading up to the family-centric observations, folks are decorating altars, preparing special foods and sharing their colorful city.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

It is common for families to display photographs of the dead during Dia de los Muertos.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The cemetery, founded in 1829, also is known as Panteon General.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The weather in late October is perfect in Oaxaca – warm and dry.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Graves have been cleaned and are intricately decorated and covered with bouquets of flowers, candles and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Entire families and friends spend the nights out of their homes and next to the grave of their loved ones, conducting a vigil to connect with the dead by singing, eating and drinking.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

In the days leading up to Dia de Los Muertos, graves and crypts are decorated with marigold flowers, petals, candles, foods and drinks.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The atmosphere becomes more magical later at night, as families sit by the graves, some playing guitar, some singing.

It is a night of remembrance and celebration that their loved ones will return home for the night.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

The graveyard stays open late, so loved ones can sit by the grave for most of the night.

Panteon San Miguel welcomes visitors who do not have a family member buried within its walls.

But it is important to be respectful – all of these photos were shot with a telephoto lens a long distance away from the families.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Families eat with the spirits of their dead loved ones and leave plenty of food and drink behind for them.

This picture shows a potful of pollo en mole negro

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Some families bring instruments to play the favorite music of their departed loved ones.

Others hire roving five-piece bands to provide the live music.

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PANTEON DE SAN MIGUEL -- OAXACA, MEXICO

Panteon San Miguel is about a 20-minute walk from the Zocalo in central Oaxaca City.

Visit it Oct. 31-Nov. 2 to see Dia de Muertos festivities in action.