On November 1st and 2nd, during one of the most spectacular Mexican holidays known as Dia de los Muertos, people dress in vibrant colors and decorate their homes, inviting loved ones who have passed to return and celebrate life with the living. While in most cultures, death is seen as something to fear and separate from life, this pre-colonial, Mexican tradition turns death on its head, with joyful depictions of skeletons and skulls and reminders that ancestors who have died live on in memory and in the lives of family members.
The artistic, whimsical energy of the holiday is seen in Joel Villalon’s “Casa San Pancho” located in Guanajuato, Mexico. With the help of the original architect, Francisco Moran, Joel created spaces for entertaining large groups and for the art, accessories, tile and textiles collections that mirror his life journey. Just as altars or “ofrendas” on Dia de los Muertos spill over with photographs, flowers, candles, and offerings to commemorate the life of a loved one, Joel’s colorful art and spirited textiles accumulated over the years create a beautiful ofrenda that shows his love for traveling and commitment to keeping cherished moments alive.
