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The Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Death and Life
A tribute to Mexico’s most important holiday, this extraordinary and definitive volume documents the immense creativity displayed by this popular annual celebration.
While there have been other books about the Day of the Dead, most are long out of print and aridly academic. This book features both exceptional “traditional” Indigenous material—such as vibrant folk art and crafts, flamboyant costumes and masks, special food and drink—but also a much more funky, modern approach that blends lively music and dance, colorful parades, cutting-edge contemporary street art, and a festive atmosphere that engages all of the senses with handmade altars, flowers, painted skulls, toys, paintings, murals, and other art objects.
Featuring hundreds of specially commissioned photographs and voluminous in-depth research, the book is lavishly illustrated and designed with an aesthetic that draws on both traditional material as well as Mexico’s contemporary street art style. Blending visual elements inspired by the country’s pre-Hispanic heritage, European influences, and modern art trends, the book explores the evolution of the Day of the Dead and the special role it plays. This book is the definitive, authentic resource for all things Day of the Dead.
While there have been other books about the Day of the Dead, most are long out of print and aridly academic. This book features both exceptional “traditional” Indigenous material—such as vibrant folk art and crafts, flamboyant costumes and masks, special food and drink—but also a much more funky, modern approach that blends lively music and dance, colorful parades, cutting-edge contemporary street art, and a festive atmosphere that engages all of the senses with handmade altars, flowers, painted skulls, toys, paintings, murals, and other art objects.
Featuring hundreds of specially commissioned photographs and voluminous in-depth research, the book is lavishly illustrated and designed with an aesthetic that draws on both traditional material as well as Mexico’s contemporary street art style. Blending visual elements inspired by the country’s pre-Hispanic heritage, European influences, and modern art trends, the book explores the evolution of the Day of the Dead and the special role it plays. This book is the definitive, authentic resource for all things Day of the Dead.
- GenresNonfictionHistorical
332 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 5, 2025
Stunning and massive book detailing the history, cultural connections, and amazing art and symbolism of Day of the Dead celebrations, featuring gorgeous full page photography and meticulously-attributed art. Some of my favorite works are the linoleum engravings by Artemio Rodriguez, used throughout the book.
Beginning with the Nahua roots of the celebration, moving on to its merging with the Catholicism of colonizing Spaniards, and the evolution of Day of the Dead art, and finally to the adoption, appropriation, commercialization, and mainstreaming of the celebration as it has moved away from the roots of communing with and honoring the dead.
A large section of the book covers the differences in how the celebrations vary from region to region, which is fascinating.
I got it from the library, but I will eventually buy this book.
Beginning with the Nahua roots of the celebration, moving on to its merging with the Catholicism of colonizing Spaniards, and the evolution of Day of the Dead art, and finally to the adoption, appropriation, commercialization, and mainstreaming of the celebration as it has moved away from the roots of communing with and honoring the dead.
A large section of the book covers the differences in how the celebrations vary from region to region, which is fascinating.
I got it from the library, but I will eventually buy this book.
November 7, 2024
Stunning collection of Dia de Muertos celebrations throughout Mexico.
Excellent resource for getting ideas on creating your own ofrenda, understanding more about the culture and history behind the special day.
My local public library has an annual ofrenda created by a local non-profit, and this book is a go-to for the group to gain additional ideas; it sparks creativity and imagination about the possiblities of various unique ways to honor ancestors and beloved family, friends, and pets, now passed on.
Excellent resource for getting ideas on creating your own ofrenda, understanding more about the culture and history behind the special day.
My local public library has an annual ofrenda created by a local non-profit, and this book is a go-to for the group to gain additional ideas; it sparks creativity and imagination about the possiblities of various unique ways to honor ancestors and beloved family, friends, and pets, now passed on.
November 5, 2025
This was actually well researched and written. Loved the illustrations and pictures. If you want to learn more about Día de los Muertos, this is good start.
I already recommended it to my siblings and a couple of librarians I know.
I already recommended it to my siblings and a couple of librarians I know.
October 13, 2024
A beautiful book that tells the history of the Day of the Dead.
September 9, 2026
Day of the dead grows out of both European traditions and indigenous beliefs. It begins as a serious day of remembering and commemorating departed dear ones. In time it evolved into an international form of ethnic entertainment.
There’s a lot of information and many pictures.. By the end of the book you’ll feel well informed.
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There’s a lot of information and many pictures.. By the end of the book you’ll feel well informed.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews