Mexico's Day of the Dead - by Luisa Navarro (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A lush exploration of the vibrant and important traditions of Dâia de Muertos, Mexico's holiday for celebrating passed loved ones."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A lush exploration of the vibrant and important traditions of Día de Muertos, Mexico's holiday for celebrating passed loved ones.

Whether you are new to the holiday and celebrating for the first time, looking to process a recent loss, or just interested in this authentic Mexican cultural tradition, Mexico's Day of the Dead paints a vibrant picture of one of the country's most storied and sacred holidays.

With photographer Christine Chitnis by her side, author Luisa Navarro documents the most breathtaking displays, as well as the artisans and people who keep the traditions alive. She delves into the origins of the holiday, its rich iconography, and modern-day customs. Thoughtful essays on the evolution of Día de Muertos are coupled with practical guides for celebrating it yourself, as Luisa shares her tips for cultivating your own Day of the Dead traditions. Turn to Mexico's Day of the Dead for approachable DIY projects. Build your own altar. Make your own sugar skulls. Create papel picado and bake your own delicious pan de muerto at home.

This landmark book brings Day of the Dead to life with transportive photography, high-end finishes, and eye-catching stained edges.

Review Quotes

"Navarro artfully combines family history--including personal snapshots and bittersweet memories of a cousin who died suddenly of a stroke in her 20s--with deep dives into subjects such as the Aztec goddess of death and failed attempts to obliterate Indigenous cultures. Equal parts moving and educational, the book works as ethnographic study, as Navarro travels to different regions to observe variations in their holidaymaking, but it also succeeds on an even larger scale, as she writes sensitively about death and acceptance. This bright and tender book gives readers heartfelt encouragement that 'there is no wrong way to honor the ones you love.'"

About the Author

Luisa Navarro is a Mexican-American storyteller and creator of the blog and lifestyle brand, Mexico In My Pocket. A graduate of Columbia Journalism School, she worked as a producer for major network news before opening her beautiful gift shop in the Caroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.

Christine Chitnis is a writer and photographer based in Providence, Rhode Island. She is the author of the widely acclaimed Patterns of India (2020) and Patterns of Portugal (2024). She also contributes to the New York Times, Elle, Vogue, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and more.