Today JZboy and I traveled over to the annual Dia de los Muertos Festival in the Fruitvale District of Oakland.
It was a gorgeous, blue skied day...just perfect for a street festival. And, it was HUGE. There were TONS of people - many were in their Sunday finest!
The sights, sounds, smells and celebratory energy were incredible. A group of Aztec Dancers captivated us with their feathered headdresses and costumes adorned with skulls. We inhaled their smudgy sage smoke as they moved in unison to soulfully pounded drums. What a sight. Here is a glimpse of the feathered finery:
There were so many incredible altars made by families and various local organizations. It was a bit emotional at times looking at these very personal and political creations. Homage was paid to Frida, Cesar, Grandma & Grandpa...very beautifully, I might add. Here are a couple of altars that I found especially vibrant and moving:
I wish that I could attach some soundbites of the diverse musical bits that we experienced. There was the incredible drumming, some fun Mariachi Bands (my heart breaks a little when I see those guys in their matching suits) and our ears almost bled walking past the poorly calibrated sound systems blasting highly distorted tunes from the local Mexican Radio station.
The afternoon was capped off perfectly when we happened upon the Ballet Folklorico dancers. Nice music - great style.
This afternoon really got us really excited about our vacation to Mexico!!!!!
Arriba! Arriba! Andale Pues!!
17 comments:
What a great day - fills the senses. Hey, and that vacation...looks marvy. Are you going soon? I'm all for travel placating the wait a little, but that place looks like you may not want to come home!
Looks like so much fun, I love festivals like that. I'm so jealous that you're going to Mexico, can I stowe away in one of your bags???
Great pix! We also attended our local Dia de los Muertos event - an All Soul's Procession... also very moving, somewhat political, and a ton of fun!
Countdown to Mexico...!
What a great activity to take in. The culture, the sounds...must be wonderful.
Keep smilin!
Wendy, Awesome pics. I hope you guys have a blast in Mexico!
Ah, Mexico. But what fun you had in Oakland. It looks like we will not be coming to San Fran over the holidays after all. Anyway, glad you had fun!
I bet you are dying to get to Mexico now.
Wow, sounds awesome! Are you practicing your all important Spanish for your trip--Una mas cerveza, por favor! :)
Very cool!
Wow - that is quite a
'headdress' on that guy - you can hardly see a person under all of that!!
GREAT photos...how many days until Mexico?
Woohoo! Those are some fab pics. What fun and a nice appetizer for Mexico.
I love this holiday, thanks to my husband. (He grew up in Nevada/Arizona and did a lot of travel to Mexico.) Our house is now adorned with masks and trinkets from Dias...I love the vibrant colors and craftmanship.) Your photos are great. What a fun day, beautiful costumes and artwork. Just what you needed to get you prepped for your trip. I can't wait to see THOSE pictures. See you soon!
OK. Do you live in party central or what?!??!? Seems like there's always some kind of festival going on over there! Maybe they happen here and I just don't take enough interest to find them. Oh well. Looks like a lot of fun!!
That looks like so much fun! And you have great weather too, not like us! brrrrrr
What incredible photos- I wish you could have included sound bites as well. It's so neat to enjoy and experience other cultures, very enlightening.
I want to be you. Just for the fun festival weekends, at the very least. How many days until Mexico, chica? Más rápidamente!!
mexico, is just way too much fun! I am so jealous! I wish I could hide in your bag!!!!!!!
Laura
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