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Día de Muertos

a photo essay

Kirsten Alana
By Kirsten Alana

I've been curious about "Day of the Dead" for a while. I think that's because as someone who has lost many people, I find connection in the idea that the dead are never truly gone from us. That we should celebrate the lives they lived and keep them close to us always.

After we moved to Los Angeles in 2018, I realized I was not even close to the only one. Mexican culture is a huge part of this city's identity -- to my delight -- so too, are its traditions. Día de Muertos is just one example and few places in the city put on a celebration to rival the one at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Though I'd like to also visit Olvera Street.

These images were all taken at Hollywood Forever. My partner purchased VIP tickets for us to attend and while participating in the dressing up and face painting was meant to be respectful at the same time it was fun, for me it was the conversations I had with families about their altars - that was the most special part of the day. For more about it, and Día de Muertos in general, head to my blog.

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One thing that is important to me in photography, but particularly at personal, cultural events - is that I make a concerted effort to get permission before I capture anyone's portrait. Even when I travel overseas, I usually learn the phrase for "may I take your photo please?" in whatever the native language is. That's just my preference that I feel is respectful.

However, I acknowledge the fact that in true photojournalism, that's not always possible. So that's why this photo essay reflects a mixture of both.

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special thanks to the following families or organizations that posed for photos or were excited to talk to me and help me understand Día de Muertos: Mercedes Blendzz, Sergio Flores Jewelry, Guelaguetza, Funky Chicken Egg Ranch, Hotel Oyamel, Radio Jornalera, Linda Trujillo & Immortalis Photography.

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© 2025 Kirsten Alana

Kirsten has been to all 50 states and worked in more than 60 countries on six continents for some of the most awarded campaigns in new media. Her clients have included brands in travel, fashion, and lifestyle ranging from Four Seasons and Visit Britain to Ted Baker and Amarula. Her work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, and more. She resides in Los Angeles when she is not traveling on assignment. Email: hello at kirstenalana dot com
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