Michoacan and the Spirit of the Day of the Dead
© Raul Touzon
Download complete itinerary here! (PDF)
October 28th – November 4th
The State of Michoacán is known as “The Soul of Mexico,” not only because of its amazing beauty, but also because off its rich cultural tradition. One of the most important cultural events in Mexico is the “Day of the Dead,” a celebration deeply rooted in the indigenous people who inhabit the region. During this workshop, you will be in the best places, at the best time, with the most amazing light allowing you to create outstanding, meaningful pictures of this unique happening.
We start the week by exploring the highlands of the Umaran region, where we will visit the small “Purepecha” enclaves of Pomacuaran, Nurio and Cochucho.We end the day with a horse ride to San Juan Parangaricutiro, the town that was buried by the Paricutin volcano. After a morning edit and critique session, we’ll explore the bustling town of Patzcuaro, head of the region dominated by the lake of the same name. The next day we’ll journey to the shores of Lake Patzcuaro. A scenic drive takes us to Quiroga where we will photograph its outdoor market. From there we go to the Purepecha, town of Santa Fe the la Laguna where on this night “ofrendas” are taken by visitors to the houses of the newly deceased. On Day of the Dead, after photographing the graveyard in Patzcuaro, we’ll journey to the graveyard in Tzintzuntzan to witness what has been called “the sea of lights.” Exploding with dance, crafts and music, hundreds of candles illuminate the night as families and loved ones celebrate the evening. The following morning we’ll depart for the other shore-line to photograph the graveyards and churches of Jaracuaro, Uricho and Urocutin — three “Purepecha” enclaves full of magic and tradition. Our last day culminates in an afternoon spent photographing the city of Morelia and its grand cathedral.
Highlights:
- Visit authentic Purepecha Indian villages
- Ride a horse up a volcano to a lava covered church
- Visit and shoot many colorful graveyards at day and night
- Take an offering to the families of the newly deceased
- Witness, capture and join the celebrations for the dead, one of the most important traditions in the Mexican Culture
Michael Robinson Chavez (www.robinsonchavez.com) has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Times since coming from The Washington Post in 2007. In addition to photographing local stories and events, he has covered wide-ranging international assignments in over 35 countries, including: the Congolese Civil War, the war in Bosnia, Bantu refugees in Kenya, the Zapatista uprising and national elections in Mexico, the conflict in Israel/Palestine and the US led invasion and occupation of Iraq. Named “Photographer of the Year” in 2007 and 2004 by the White House and News Photographers' Association, Michael’s work has been exhibited from his native California to Havana, Cuba to the prestigious Visa Pour l’Image photojournalism festival in France. He is currently working on a long-term project about urbanization in the developing world.
Sebastian Belaustegui (www.photosuki.com) is a photographer that for the past 10 years has embarked on a mission to document all of the indigenous cultures that still survive in Latin America. His book, Guardians of Time: Portraits of the Spirit of Latin America, is a testament to his experiences in 10 countries while living with 25 indigenous communities. Currently he is working on his new editorial project called Africa in America, documenting the heritage of Africa in the American continent. His work has been published in magazines such as National Geographic, Camera Arts, Planet and Gatopardo, and he has held numerous exhibitions of his work in museums and art galleries throughout the continent.
