Dia de los Muertos

♫ - ¡Viva Calaca! - Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a national Mexican holiday, which focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for people they cared about who have died. It is celebrated with festivals, parades and the traditions connected with the Day of the Dead include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Its origin can be traced to indigenous and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, and this kind of holiday is celebrated not only throughout Mexico, but also around the world in other cultures. In fact similar observances occur in Brazil, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The celebration for the Day of the Dead, which takes place on 11/01, is in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (11/02), celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. And that’s why the hauntingly beautiful model, Imogen Morris Clarke, is wearing embellished Catholic imagery and jewelry, the rich colours of Mexico and folkloristic accessories for the October issue of Marie Claire US.

Tanned skin, smoky eyes, intense lipsticks and braided “Frida Kahlo” inspired hair complete the look.

"Frida Kahlo" hair by Ward Stegerhoek.
Make-up by Vicky Steckel.

Stylist: Romina Herrara Malatesta.

Photographer: Enrique Badulescu for Marie Claire US.

Spanish documentary about the Mexican tradition, "Day of the Dead".

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