Life is a chapter in never-ending story
“The old Mexicans did not perceive life and death in contrast as we do. Life continued in death, while on the other hand death was not the natural end of life but only one chapter in a never-ending story. Life, death and rebirth were only different stages of the endlessly repeating universal process.“Magdaléna Koháková, Literární noviny
Dia de los Muertos is a traditional celebration, which takes place every year all over Mexico. It’s a very important holiday in which pre-Hispanic culture meets the Catholic church, and a very emotional time, though these emotions need not be negative. The sadness we feel thinking of the loss of loved ones can blend with celebration, because death as the Mexicans see it is not a definitive end to life, but just another kind of life. The celebrations of the Day of the Dead in Mexico are underlined by the conviction and belief that the quality of this life is to a great extent affected by how we behave towards the dead.
These photographs were shot at the event, which was inspired by this Mexican holiday. Parents and their kids could learn about the traditional practices, decorate candy skulls, taste Mexican food, hear real live Mexican music, enjoy theatre performance, participate in lantern parade, see shadow puppets or installations made of food.
Event was organized by Motus o.s. in cooperation with Puppets beyond Borders.
Stromovka Park, Prague, Czech Republic
1st November 2011
All images © lucia eggenhoffer
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