Calacas

This striking black-and-white photograph captures the essence of Día de los Muertos in San Miguel de Allende (SMA), a city renowned for its vibrant and deeply rooted traditions.

The image features two towering calacas (skeleton figures)—a dapper gentleman in a top hat and a graceful lady in a wide-brimmed sombrero—standing guard before a wrought-iron gate.

Visual Breakdown

The Figures: These statues are likely made of cartonería (Mexican papier-mâché). They are adorned with intricate, hand-painted floral and scrollwork patterns that pop against the monochromatic tones. Their expressive, grinning faces evoke the joyful irony of the holiday: celebrating life by acknowledging death.

The Setting: Framed by a classic colonial entryway, the heavy iron gate and stone flooring provide a sense of place. The high-contrast black-and-white edit emphasizes the textures—the smooth curves of the statues against the rigid, vertical lines of the gate.

Symbolism: These figures represent La Catrina and her male counterpart, icons of Mexican culture that remind us that in death, everyone is equal, regardless of wealth or status.

The Atmosphere in SMA

In San Miguel de Allende, the Day of the Dead is more than a holiday; it is an immersive experience. While this photo is silent and colorless, it hints at the surrounding atmosphere: the scent of marigolds (cempasúchil), the flickering of candles on ofrendas, and the distant sound of mariachi music echoing through the cobblestone streets.