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PAST THE MASKS - HERE

Featured in: Passion Passport
Nailed Magazine
The Culture-ist

In October of 2017, Michael traveled to 14 rural villages in Central Mexico to document Dia De Los Muertos. What he discovered was far beyond the costume extravaganza depicted in popular media.

Through a four-day visually stunning journey of lights, masks, ceremonies, family, and food - this photo essay strives to show the immense cultural depth of the centuries-old holiday.

“As the orange glow of the morning sun shimmered over one of Mexico's oldest cemeteries - final goodbyes were murmured to deceased loved ones, and families left for a day of rest and prayer.”

11/2/17 - One of the few men remaining in the cemetery when the sun fully came up. (Top Middle Left) - The empty Tzurumútaro cemetery as the sun begins to rise.

10/31/17 - 2:00pm - Dancers, dressed in traditional performance-wear, take a break on the side of the fountain in the Patzcuaro town square.

10/31/17 - 6:00pm - A family of tourists from Canada take a selfie in front of the marigold-clad town sign.

10/31/17 - 7:00pm - A woman with celebratory face paint waits to watch a traditional performance in the Patzcuaro town square.

10/31/17 - 7:00pm - A boy dressed for the All Hallows Eve festivities explores the town square collecting candy and toys from local vendors.

10/31/17 - A small girl watches awestruck as traditional dancers bound above her on stage in the Patzcuaro town square.

10/31/17 - 7:00pm - A woman with celebratory face paint walks throughout the Patzcuaro town square posing for photos with excited tourists.

11/1/17 - Two woman admire the communal town memorial in the church courtyard.

11/1/17 - Luz Marie picks marigolds behind the local church in Santa Fe.

11/1/17 - Karla Cortes, of San Francisco Uricho, leaves her home with a wheelbarrow of marigolds, coffee cans, and candles. Karla, her mother, and sister, take this same walk every year, and will spend the afternoon decorating several of their family member's grave stones.