On the weekend before Halloween, New York City based non-profit Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders brought Day of the Dead to the streets of downtown Manhattan. Amidst vibrant colors, live music, Mexican food, and a Mexican folk art market, people at the three-day celebration gathered to honor and celebrate the loved ones they've lost outside the St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery. The gathering featured multiple workshops, ceremonies, and performances, from Day of the Dead button making to the offering of a colorful five-tier cake created by the Cake Boss team.
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Amongst those of Mexican heritage in attendance to honor deceased friends and family was a bus of children on an educational trip and passersby stopping to learn about the holiday and check out the intricate work of the vendors. Broadly was there to photograph the Mexican women at the gathering amongst the artistry, traditions, and rituals of their beloved holiday.
Esther
Rosalba Reyes
"The day of the dead means to me is a day to celebrate our loved ones who have passed: family, friends, people who are important to me." - Rosalba Reyes
Rosa Ocampo
"I didn't practice this day as much until I came to the US. I thought it was important to pass down Mexican traditions to my children and continue the culture. My mom passed away two years ago. Today I celebrate her in a happy way." - Rosa Ocampo
