Photographer celebrates new life for Día de los Muertos

share

BRIGHTON, Colo. — Ever since she was young, Nalleli Vazquez has had a passion for photography.

Vazquez specializes in maternity and children’s sessions but recently, she started doing sessions inspired by Día de los Muertos. 

“I’m a person that’s very crafty, I like to create backgrounds,” explained Vazquez. 

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated Nov. 1-2 every year primarily in Mexico, but also by others around the world including some in the United States. The holiday is rooted in Aztec culture, where the dead are the guests of honor. The ceremony is like a family reunion that helps people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory.

Through the years, people have developed different combinations of the fundamental traditions, which most often include setting up a candlelit altar so spirits can find their way back to their relatives. The altar includes food and items that were important to the one who passed. Families then often gather in the graveyard for a big party that includes a huge feast, cleaning the tombstones, singing songs and talking to their ancestors. 

The shoot Vazquez was working on when Rocky Mountain PBS visited was a jungle theme with an Aztec outfit. 

“The reason why I’m doing this is because Día de Los Muertos comes from way back,” explained Vazquez. “It’s where these traditions started.”

“Even though it means that we’re celebrating the past life, the people who are no longer with us, it’s also a celebration of life,” said expecting mom Azanet Chavez. “So, I’m bringing in a new human to life and I think it’s a nice experience.” 

Chavez said she enjoys celebrating Día de los Muertos and even though this kind of shoot is not for everyone, it is worth the hours that go into the shoot for her. 

“How heartwarming is it to remember somebody once they are not with us anymore. The way that Mexico remembers somebody is not in a sad way, it’s in a happy way,” said Vazquez. “I feel like when I’m taking pictures of a woman that’s expecting, she’s bringing a new life into this world.”

Vazquez is one of many people who shared their Día de los Muertos story with Rocky Mountain PBS. Chef Oscar Padilla, for example, told us how he uses the holiday to honor his grandmother, Gloria. As for Nataline Ruth Cruz, a spiritual healer, Día de los Muertos is something to be celebrated every day.

You can hear all these individual stories in "Colorado Voices: Día de los Muertos," airing Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. on Rocky Mountain PBS and on YouTube. You can stream the episode below.