"Oaxaca Mexico"
During the last week of October and the first week of November 2024, I photographed in Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca during the Dia de los Muertos had been on my bucket list for quite some time. I had experienced the Dia de los Muertos here in the United States several times and it was always fantastic, but I had heard that Oaxaca was famous for its celebration. The Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and since my 65th birthday fell on November 3rd 2024, I knew that this was the year to go.
Oaxaca did not let me down as there was much to photograph. The city was decorated top to bottom with “ofrendas” and “calavera”, flags were strung over the streets. Brass bands thick with tuba and drums walked the streets while crowds of people with their faces painted in the traditional way danced and followed along.
On one day I hired a driver to take me out into the countryside. I was interested in seeing the indigenous peoples and cultures: the most numerous and best known are the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. The highlight of the drive was breakfast at Alicia’s Restaurant. The restaurant was nothing more than an open-air side room to her house with a wood fired oven and stove. Eggs were taken fresh from the hens, tomatoes and jalapenos, picked fresh from the garden to prepare my meal. It could not have been any better.
One thing that I did learn about the world on this trip is that Oaxaca Mexico has the best chocolate anywhere!

"Red Oaxacan Slug-bug"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
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"Zapotec Hands"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
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"Waiting for the Parade"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
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"Seller of Mezcal"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
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"Ride the Corn"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
I found this large sticker in several places in the Centro area and made this quick image just for fun. After looking at it in post-production, I read the QR code in the upper right hand corner and now I love the shot! "160juice" is the artist.
Image Not For Sale

"Corn on the Wall"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
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"NYC Woman"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
I photographed this strikingly beautiful woman in front of the Templo de San Matias Jalatlaco. Turned out she is a model from New York City who was working in Oaxaca. If by chance you know who she is, ask her to contact me. I'd like for to have my images of her.
Image Not For Sale

"The Corn Queen"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
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"Emotional"
Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
I wonder what this woman saw. Was it a grandchild in the parade for the first time? One of the holy icons? Maybe she just surrendered to the joy of the night. I don't know.
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