Category Archives: Photography

A Little Turkish Culture

The “official” flyer for the Turkish Food Fest. This is the 3rd year for the event.

Three years ago I found out about the Istanbul Cultural Center in Hoover. I was participating in the FBI Citizens Academy that fall and I met fellow classmate, Umut Gunebir, Executive Director of the Center. The following year, Umut invited me to visit the center to learn more about Turkish culture and events they conduct there. So, of course, I liked their Facebook page so I could stay current with the center’s activities.

Last year, I heard the Turkish Food Festival was being planned and I was really looking forward to attending. Unfortunately, the date turned out to be the same as my daughter’s wedding so THAT didn’t happen! This year, no wedding, so I got an early start and headed over to the Center at 10:45 a.m. to check things out.

The crowds gathered early for the festival!

There was already quite a crowd when I arrived. The smell of food was permeating the area and I was pretty hungry since I had skipped breakfast. Turkish music was playing over loud speakers. I wasn’t sure if I should go ahead and get food tickets right then or make my way around to see everything and take photos. I chose the latter and landed at the vendor tables and started clicking away. All the pretty hand painted bowls pulled me in and every single one was unique! Achmed, the vendor did not speak much English so the young lady at the next booth did some interpreting for us. I had all kinds of questions about the ceramics and he was pleased to share details about how the pieces were created and how time-consuming the process was for the artists – from kiln to painting to kiln again. I told him I would be back before I left to buy some of the items and he smiled and said he would give me a “good deal.”

Some of the beautiful hand painted Turkish ceramics.

Next I walked around checking out all the food. It was a food festival after all! Each table had signs describing the food being sold which was a nice touch. The first food items included things like yaprak sarmasi (stuffed grape leaves) and kisir (Turkish tabooli). Next came the big-ticket items – gyros and kabobs – served in pita bread with lettuce and tomatoes on top of rice. Along the last line of booths you could find Turkish coffee or tea to go with some scrumptious dessert items. Things like baklava, cezerye – a carrot and coconut delicacy, elmali kurabiye (apple cookie rolls with powdered sugar), rice pudding and Turkish cinnamon cookies. I think they need to create a sampler platter for next year!

Turkish cinnamon cookie and cezerye (with the flag pick).

One of the longest lines for food was at the gozleme (Turkish flatbread and pastry) table. A young man and his mother were hard at work making this tasty and traditional dish. When I read there was feta in it, that’s all I had to hear! Like a woman said behind me…”they had me at feta!” I had to agree! (Here is a recipe I found online for gozleme.)

One of the longest lines was for the gozleme – a traditional Turkish flatbread and pastry made with feta cheese. Yum!

As I waited for my gozleme to finish cooking on gas-fired sac griddle, I told the young man that his mother was the hardest working person at the festival. He translated for me and she gave me a smile. From the time I arrived, she was rolling the dough with the “oklava” – a very long and thin wooden rolling-pin. As she finished rolling out each dough piece, she would hand it off to her son who would paint it with butter and add a feta and Turkish white cheese mixture before sealing it to cook. I found out that the son was attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and majoring in Physics. His mother had just arrived in the US and was staying with him for several months which clearly made him happy. I loved how seamlessly they worked together making the gozleme. It was well worth the wait and my last 3 food tickets. Plus, I really enjoyed the conversation.

One of the beautiful henna tattoos I saw at the festival.

Activities for kids included inflatables and face painting and plenty of kids took advantage of this. I was very interested in the henna tattoos. I didn’t have time to get one myself but I was able to photograph a few people who did. I asked the young woman who was in charge of the henna tattoos what purpose they served and she explained they are a way to adorn the body for special celebrations, just like wearing jewelry. She had several designs to choose from at her table. On my list of things to do one day – get a henna tattoo! They are so beautiful!

By the time I left two hours later, the festival was packed! The lines were long every where you looked and it pleased me to see this for the organizers. A young man by the name of Huseyin saw me taking photographs shortly after I arrived and introduced himself saying he was the Social Media Director for the festival. He asked how I found out about the event and I told him through Facebook. The festival continued on Sunday and from the pictures people were posting, it was another packed house! Huseyin mentioned they may be looking for a bigger venue next year because of the growth they are experiencing. Food and cultural festivals definitely bring in a crowd!

Crowds of people enjoy delicious Turkish food at the 3rd annual Turkish Food Fest!

Oh…and as I promised Achmed, I returned to his vendor booth and bought several of the Turkish ceramic bowls. And as he promised me…he gave me a good deal!

Here are a few more photos from the event…

: One of the beautiful henna tattoos I saw at the festival.

: The crowds gathered early for the festival!

: One of the longest lines was for the gozleme – a traditional Turkish flatbread and pastry made with feta cheese. Yum!

American Boricua at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

1 Reply

BCRI Town Hall Panelists – Dr. Lynn Adrian, Wanda Benvenutti, and Dr. Carlos Aleman

In January, I attended a Town Hall meeting at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute called “Nuestra Cultura: The Impact of Hispanic/Latino Cultures in the U.S.” This event was in conjunction with the “American Boricua” exhibition being shown at the BCRI. The panelist featured were Dr. Lynn Adrian, Department Chair, American Studies Scholars Program, University of Alabama; Dr. Carlos Aleman, Assistant Professor, Director, Latin American Studies, Samford University and Wanda Benvenutti, photographer of “American Boricua” exhibition.

The discussion began with a review of US immigration followed by the US census and how it has identified Hispanics/Latinos throughout the ages. This then lead to a discussion of race – being white or black or brown and ultimately about language. The biggest discussion centered about the topic of language and so many good points were brought out. It has had me thinking for weeks now. A future post will discuss Spanish language and my thoughts on this.

Besides the great discussion that night, another highlight for me was getting to meet exhibit photojournalist, Wanda Benvenutti. She is a breath of fresh air…so full of life and energy and offered so much to the conversation about language, race, culture and identity. Having lived in Puerto Rico for 6 years when I was growing up, she reminded me of one of my mother’s friends and I was always drawn to this woman. Wanda clearly does not meet a stranger and I was definitely drawn to her!

Wanda Benvenutti’s American Boricua – Puerto Rican Life in the United States – at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery.

Wanda’s exhibit – American Boricua, Puerto Rican Life in the United States – was extended through February 29th. It is a visual history of Puerto Rican life in 50 states and examines how Puerto Ricans define home, family, culture, and identify. Wanda hopes this exhibit will get people to think beyond race and focus on culture. She states that to focus on culture is inclusive, genuine and real. I tend to agree!

If you are wondering about the word Boricua, it is a term of endearment Puerto Rican’s use for one another. It comes from the native Taino word for the island, “Borinken,” which means “Brave Noble Lord.” I recall as a little girl singing the Puerto Rican national anthem – Borinquen – before classes when I attended Cupeyville Elementary, a private school in Rio Piedras. Later I learned to play it on the piano.

I was able to see Wanda’s exhibit today and it was very moving. Black and white photographs with simple titles. Black and white photography is always so detailed and it draws you into the frame. There was also a video looping which had Wanda speaking with a group of Puerto Ricans in a living room setting. The biggest takeaway from that video was the woman who spoke about being Puerto Rican, being brown. Her statement “we have come to the conclusion that we’re not white enough for the white people, and we’re not black enough for the black people. So we’re caught in the middle.” She went on to say that it didn’t bother her and she just goes about her business just fine. All the people in the group discussion spoke about never having been invited to a white person’s house for dinner. They talked about living in the south and how the image of friendliness and that your neighbor will bring over food to be hospitable is ever present…but they never had this experience. I wanted to hear more but it was a short excerpt. This is the kind of conversation we need to keep having though. Hopefully, exhibits like this can bring that conversation about.

Wanda’s photograph entitled – Abuelo (Grandfather)

Of all the photographs in the exhibit the one that is my favorite is called “Abuelo.” This means “grandfather” and it was taken in the summer of 2002 in Philadelphia, PA. I love it for the obvious reasons – the sweetness of the photograph – a granddaughter kissing her grandfather and the smile he has on his face. But what draws me more to the photo is the image of their hands. It’s the way her hands caress his face – cradles it – and the way he gently holds on to her hand as she shows her love for him. It’s breathtaking…

I urge you to go by the BCRI and check it out before it is gone. While you are there, take some time to also go through the BCRI’s permanent Civil Rights exhibit. I see something different every time I go through…

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – taken from the 2nd floor outside of the permanent exhibit.

One of the iconic exhibits in the permanent Civil Rights collection at the BCRI in Birmingham, Alabama.

We Ate Some Turkey and then a Football Game Broke Out!

Leave a reply

Odom Family football game – Thanksgiving 2007 – Jasper, AL.

My in-laws used to live in Jasper, AL and had a rather large piece of property behind their house. I remember there was always a sign inside the back porch that said “Odom’s Farm.” It always felt like the perfect place for kids to run around and play and make up games and just get outside instead of sitting in front of the television set.

The Sunday before Thanksgiving in 2007 was a cool crisp afternoon. We had just finished eating turkey and all the extras when one of the kids (the cousins) pulled out a football. Before you knew it, all the cousins – young and old – were outside in the huge backyard and tossing the ball around. First it was just the guys tossing and running after each other. But the Odom girls are pretty darn competitive and quickly joined in! It was one of those spontaneous times in families…we couldn’t have planned it if we had tried and it was the perfect Thanksgiving afternoon. Even Bentley, the dog, got into the act!

Bentley decides football is fun!

Here are a few of the photos I took that day in a slideshow…when I see these, I feel like it’s happening all over again! Oh, and another thing you’ll notice…there is only one cell phone in the picture….those were the days!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A Look Back at Birmingham’s Day of the Dead Festival

Leave a reply

Candles light one of the altars at Day of the Dead #13

Every year I look forward to Birmingham’s Day of the Dead Festival. This was year 13 for the festival and while it was a rainy day, the rain stopped right before the event was set to start and people made their way downtown. As I’ve always said, DOD is a photographer’s mecca! For a week after the event, it’s fun to see all the social media posts and photos of everyone dressed out in sugar skulls. Photographers J. C. Bravo and Larry O.Gay are always on hand and capture incredible shots of the people . In my opinion, their photos are breathtaking and really showcase the beauty of Day of the Dead. Check J.C. and Larry out on Facebook when you get a chance and you’ll see what I mean…

Photo taken by photographer Larry O. Gay with my camera. Thanks Larry!

At one point early in the evening, Larry grabbed my camera and took a photo of me with my husband, and my friend Theresa Deleon and her daughter. So I now have an “original” Larry Gay photo on my very own camera! Thanks Larry!

Meanwhile, instead of talking about the event, I’ll just let my own photos tell the story…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Preparing for Day of the Dead – 2015

Leave a reply

Some of the items on my Day of the Dead living room altar include a Day of the Dead book, carnations, butterflies and photos…

Day of the Dead is tomorrow and I just finished up my altars at home this afternoon. I feel like the celebration snuck up on me this year with all the traveling I’ve been doing lately. Last year I decided I would use real marigolds on my altars in the dining room rather than the silk ones from the craft store. Well, that didn’t happen… I also wanted to go through all my photos and bring some new ones out of some of my family that’s gone. Again, that didn’t happen…I am in the process of moving my ginormous stash of photos and slides to my daughter’s old room so things are a little disorganized at the moment.

A copy of a photo of the some of the Wilson children…front and center is my mother-in-law, Johnnie. Behind her are her brothers Jim and Bob and to her right is her sister Joyce. Uncle Jim was the last remaining Wilson sibling and he passed away this October.

All this feeling of disorganization went away last night as I added the last photos to my altars and a few new touches. Funny how things just come together when you need them to and this evening I am so pleased with the result. I just want these altars to be a special tribute to the family that is now gone, especially the recent losses we have experienced. Earlier this year we lost my cousin Chila – Orcilia Zuniga Forbes quite suddenly. Just a few weeks ago, we lost my husband’s Uncle, James Edward Wilson who was 93. So sad to be adding more people but at the same time, it’s good to remember them, their accomplishments and the love we had and continue to have for them.

My cousin, Chila – Orcilia Zuniga Forbes – who passed away suddenly a few months ago. I love this photo of her that is on the Meyers Trust website in tribute to her service on this foundation.

I set tea-light candles out on the altars this afternoon and took photos of everything. Tomorrow, I will light the candles and spend some time with my altars remembering the good times and wonderful lives of our family members who are no longer with us physically.

This photo of Uncle Jim kept getting reposted on Facebook shortly after his death. I love this picture…a gentle and good man in the presence of animals.

Fiesta 2015…two thousand pictures later…

Leave a reply

Mosaico Flamenco performs on the Fiesta Coca Cola Main Stage

Every year, my main focus at Fiesta is capturing all the fun and festivities with my camera. From the set up to the village activities to the musical acts…I take a ton of photos! This year though, I think I topped my all time number of photos. As I downloaded from my camera on Sunday morning, I couldn’t believe the total number was well over two thousand pics! Editing is going to be fun…

One of the things that struck me as I flipped through the photos was the fact that the rain and cold weather on Saturday didn’t make a bit of difference in the smiles and enjoyment of the people who attended. Experiencing Fiesta in the cold and rain was new for ALL of us. Not that I want inclement weather for Fiesta 2016…but it’s clear that everyone made the most of Fiesta in the cold and rain and enjoyed it as if it were 80 degrees and sunny! I love our Fiesta family!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures so far…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Fiesta 2015 Rain or Shine!

1 Reply

This was the crowd during the last two acts of the night…incredible! Despite the cold!

This was Fiesta’s “lucky” 13th year. Every year as we (the organizers) approach the event, we always keep our fingers crossed about the weather and every year with the exception of one, the weather was beautiful, sunny and warm. This year, the outlook started out that way…we kept looking at the forecast and it showed mild temperatures but sunny. Perfect, you could say! Then closer to the event, it showed cloudy and a chance of showers. Then it started raining…

Two Fiesta patrons in rain gear on their way to the Coca Cola Music Stage.

When you have an outdoor festival, you have to expect the weather will catch up with you at some point. So for Fiesta’s 13th year, it did. We thought the rain would stop by noon – that’s when Fiesta “officially” opens, so we were hopeful. Then the forecast changed to 1 p.m. – and if you were there, you know that didn’t happen. I think we were just on the wrong side of the road when it came to the rain. Thankfully, it wasn’t a downpour. And thankfully, people came out and simply put on hats, rain ponchos or just didn’t care about getting wet. Incredibly, as the day went on, and the drizzle came and went, people kept coming and enjoying the villages and especially the music. All in all, I would have to say this was one of our best years!

Veronica Richey with BB&T Bank threw on a rain poncho and got to work at her booth at Fiesta wearing a Costa Rica hat!

This year’s Fiesta showed us that people love this event and want to be here no matter what. It also proved to be one of the most diverse crowds I believe we have ever had. This absolutely thrilled us. This event matters to the Hispanic community and also to the community at large and this was proven with the numbers we saw all day long. About 10,000 people made it to Fiesta this year!

Personally, I had the best time once I stopped worrying about my soggy hair. Thank goodness for hair pins! As I walked through the park and strolled down the Cultural Village with my camera, I grew a little concerned for the Cultural Village. Each year these wonderful members of our Hispanic community bring their own personal artifacts and treasures to share with the Fiesta patrons. The tents helped keep things dry and the rain didn’t seem to affect those who were there. They just adjusted and pulled the crowds in to share their country stories.

Los Millos booth at the Food Village – this was early in the day as the food vendors began preparing food for the day. This is where I got the delicious empanadas from Jairo and Lucero Vargas!

So, right after my friends and Latino News owners, Jairo and Lucero Vargas treated me to empanadas at the Colombian food vendor – Los Millos, I walked through the village and visited my friend Miguel Vilchez who pulled the Peru booth together. He gave me a red Peruvian hat to wear to take care of my hair later that day – even though he said my hair looked fine – he’s such a gentleman! Across from Peru was the Mexico booth. Maria and Luis had pulled together two booths of beautiful Mexican art and pottery. It was so colorful! They gave me a Jarrito jug as a gift which is simply beautiful and then poured me a tequila shot and we took selfies. Next I went to take photos of the Cuba booth where they gave me some Cuban coffee…OMGEEEE! That was so wonderful and after the tequila, it REALLY warmed me up. When I tell you how awesome the Cultural Village is, you need to believe me! Because of the weather, we all huddled closer together under each tent as we made our way through the village and vendors stationed throughout. It was such a great feeling of friendship and belonging. It’s the type of feeling I want everyone to experience at Fiesta.

And here I was worried about the rain…

Me and Miguel at the Peru booth.

Jarrito jars at the Mexico booth. This is the type of clay jar that Maria and Luis gave to me at Fiesta. So beautiful!!!

Some of the beautiful items displayed at the Mexico booth!

Cuba booth! The Cuban coffee was safely tucked away behind the table…

Believe it or not…this little cup of Cuban coffee did wonders for the chill I was experiencing at Fiesta! Packed a punch!

With Maria and Luis at the Mexico booth toasting to a wonderful event with a tequila shot! Salud!

A few items from the Peru booth – Miguel gave me the red hat to wear as he packed up his booth to leave…sure did help hide my soggy hair!

Puerto Rico booth!

The Footprints We Leave Behind…Remembering My Cousin Chila

1 Reply

With my cousin Chila at the Zuniga Family reunion in Denver, Colorado – July 2013

My cousin, Orcilia “Chila” Zuniga Forbes, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2015. Here are some of my memories of this remarkable woman.

My cousin Chila passed away two weeks ago. It came as a shock to our family and we still can’t believe it most days. She was truly remarkable. Quite a number of stories have been published about her over the past two weeks, discussing her education, career, non-profit work and accomplishments. I’m sure more will be shared over time and I look forward to hearing them. She leaves quite a legacy and quite a few footprints…

Cousin Chila at the 2013 Zuniga Family Reunion – wearing her running shoes…

One story I particularly love tells of how Chila was always so “neatly coifed, perfectly made up, stylishly and professionally dressed, stockings, running shoes. Yes, running shoes.” The story goes on to say that she was always quite literally “on the move.” Those shoes probably helped in some small way, but I know there was more her success than the shoes.

I’ve been considering all the footprints Chila left behind with those running shoes. At 77 years of age – that is just too young. I remember her as the picture of health…calm, collected, striking in appearance and always having marvelous experiences with her sister – Wiro – and brother-in-law, Chuck. It was always a joy to spend time with her at family reunions – she was so interesting and I loved the conversations we had together.

Chila - the oldest of 8 children of Lorenzo and Anita Zuniga - here with her brother Lorenzo Jr. (Boy), sisters Boogie and Wiro (Hortencia) and sister-in-law, Maria Varela.

Chila – the oldest of 8 children of Lorenzo and Anita Zuniga – here with her brother Lorenzo Jr. (Boy), sisters Boogie (Ophelia) and Wiro (Hortencia) and sister-in-law, Maria Varela.

One very inspiring conversation we had goes back to 2002 when I went to Portland, Oregon for a conference. This was the year after my dad died. A few days before I flew out, my mother reminded me I had a cousin in Portland. I quickly typed an email to Chila and hoped for a reply. To my delight, Chila immediately contacted me and outlined times she was available to meet and offered to include me in plans she already had in the works if I was available. I was thrilled! Spending time with a Zuniga cousin was so important to me since my dad had died. I needed that connection to my Mexican family.

Chila and her husband Richard picked me up at my hotel. I had never met Richard so this was an added bonus. I loved watching Chila and Richard together during that trip. They were like two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly together. They seemed so happy together.

Chila said she was taking me to a wine dinner that night and we would be sitting with the winemaker who was a friend of hers. What a treat! Richard dropped us off downtown and would return to pick us up afterward. We were early so we decided to walk around the block and found a bench where we sat and talked. The conversation quickly turned to my dad. He has passed away June 1, 2001 and Chila began telling me a story I had never heard before. She said after my dad – her Tio Chito – left Carlsbad, New Mexico and got out of the Air Force, he went to Catholic University in Washington DC. This part I knew, of course. What she said next has stayed with me all this time. She told me “your dad was the reason I went to college.” She added that until the time my dad left Carlsbad, they (she and her siblings) didn’t know they could also leave or get an education. Chila definitely took this encouragement to heart, first getting a nursing degree followed by two masters degrees and a doctorate. Landing at both the University of New Mexico and Oregon State University, I can only image the footprints she left in both places. She didn’t keep this story about my dad to herself either. She shared it with so many people and even spoke about this encouragement in a video I found called Destination Success (in Spanish). Such a treasure to find this video and hear her words!

Chila and Boogie sing with the Mariachi at our Zuniga family reunion dinner in 2013. This is one of my favorite photos from that reunion…

Last year, I was doing some research on Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos and I bookmarked a website that spoke of “footprints” and the passing of a loved one. The author writes, “the Mexican definition of soul, is the footprint we leave behind for others to connect to, in that we are present, still after death, in how others remember us. Even the person who passed away can change and grow within the stories we hold of them.”

I know I was lead to rediscover this bookmark last week. I had already been going through pictures from past Zuniga family reunions when I found one of Chila from 2013. She was neatly coifed (as the story goes) from her head down to her running shoes. That photo made me stop in my tracks and smile. Chila left 77 years of footprints and they have taught me quite a few things. They have propelled me closer to my Zuniga family roots beginning with that story about my father. They have encouraged me to see what changes I can make to do more to help others. They have inspired me to continue to educate myself and encourage others to seek education….just like my dad encouraged his niece so many years ago.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same. – Unknown

Chila and her sister Wiro sing with the mariachi at our family reunion – Denver, CO – 2015.

With Chila, her brother Nino (Orlando), son-in-law Hal and daughter Eryn – at our family reunion in Albuquerque, NM 2011.

La Familia Zuniga at our 2003 family reunion in Albuquerque, NM…

While singing with her sister Wiro with the mariachi, Chila stops to give me a smile… Wiro’s husband Chuck stands by to take photos – Zuniga Reunion 2013.

Me with Chila at our reunion in 2003.

Chila chats with my little sister, Kanista at our family reunion in 2003. Cousin Chuck is on the laptop.

Chila with her little brother, Ricardo Zuniga.

Chila with her little brother, Ricardo (Googs) Zuniga. (2003)

My mother, Barbara Zuniga with her niece, Chila. Zuniga family reunion 2013 in Denver, CO.

Chila with her brothers and sisters…from left to right – Googs (Ricardo), Wiro (Hortencia), Boogie (Ophelia), Chila (Orcelia), Lala (Oralia) and Boy (Lorenzo, Jr.) – missing from this picture – Eddie and Nino (Orlando).- Family Reunion 2003 – Albuquerque, NM

My Altars…

4 Replies

Day of the Dead is over…but I’m not sure when I’ll take down my home altars.

I started putting my altar together on my dining room buffet but realized quickly that I would run out of room. So I expanded to my dining room table and finally to my living room coffee table…creating three separate but cohesive spaces. My Zúñiga family was heavily featured on the buffet…my dad along with his pilot record books, his rosary and a handkerchief he once gave me to use when I was 9 years old and had the sniffles going to Catholic school one morning – along with a photo of him in his beloved T-Bird car that he had while in Cambodia. The photo of dad with his siblings and parents is so special – they are all gone now, along with their spouses. My mother is the only living spouse…

Dad in his T-Bird…

Dad (center) with his brothers Felix and Lorenzo – front row – his sister Gloria, and parents Apolonio (Tata Polo) and Norberta (Nana Beta).

On the other side of the buffet – my in-laws, the Odoms – Johnnie and Glen. I placed a copy of one of Johnnie’s cookie recipes next to her photo. I found the recipe on her refrigerator – in her own handwriting – after she passed in 2011. Next to my in-laws, my sweet sister-in-law, Rhonda, who passed unexpectedly this summer. One of my favorite photos of her too – arms outstretched and welcoming everyone to Thanksgiving dinner at her house on Smith Lake. An added feature – a Christmas sweater – because Rhonda loved to wear her seasonal sweaters!

On the dining room table, pictures of the Odom and Zúñiga families scattered about…beautiful photos of mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, sisters and bothers, sons and daughters…

And finally, the coffee table with photos of the Stone family – my mother’s parents – my grandparents, my sweet Aunt Gail, my uncle and my great-uncle, great-aunt and cousin. I remember the times when we would come to Alabama during the summer for vacations and they were all here. I miss them all dearly.

Artificial marigolds were scattered on all three altars…next year I want to use real ones. Those were the finishing touches I used on Saturday night. This was after going to see the animated movie , Book of Life, with my girls. I cried at the movie ending and yes, I cried as I placed the candles and marigolds around each altar. As cold as it was outside Sunday night, the house felt warm with the memories of our ancestors and the lives they led. Viva la Vida!

Preparing for Día de los Muertos

2 Replies

1932480_856159347737082_7075728042345294819_n

This year is being called Year of the Mexican Artist at Day of the Dead Birmingham. (Photo from Dia de los Muertos Alabama facebook page.)

This time each year, I receive a number of “chores for the weekend” emails from the Birmingham Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Festival with great information and lists of ways that volunteers can help each week. Things like puppet painting, sign hand lettering, hang butterflies, work on animal altar, restore old parade umbrellas… I love seeing these emails because it adds to the excitement that DOD is approaching! This little festival has grown into a powerhouse and is in its 12th year. Born the same year as Fiesta Birmingham it is a highlight of the fall for me after Fiesta is over. I get to jump from one colorful event to another and both Latino themed to boot!

As I mentioned, DOD started the same year as Fiesta but I have to confess, I didn’t know about its existence until about year 3 when a story hit the Birmingham News entertainment section about the event and why it was created. I was intrigued…a Day of the Dead Festival in Birmingham, AL??!! I remember thinking – this is so incredible – and I also remember thinking what an education this festival could provide to our community at large – much like what we were trying to do with Fiesta and the different cultures within the Latino community. DOD is another aspect to Latino culture that is not quite understood, but this festival is determined to make it understood!

During the early days of the festival, this alley behind the gallery was filled with remembrances and tributes…so much to see and so many touching photos and artifacts.

At the time, DOD was housed each year inside and around Bare Hands Gallery in downtown Birmingham. One day at lunch (this was in 2006), I decided I had to go by and meet Wendy Jarvis, the Director of the gallery. Turns out, she had wanted to meet me too so we could discuss our mutual festivals and how we might partner! Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?!

Tracy Martin puts some finishing touches to the Spider Martin altar when it was in the alley behind Bare Hands Gallery.

I found out more about DOD and its creation that day. Local artist Tracy Martin wanted to find a way to honor her late father, civil rights photographer James “Spider” Martin, when she and some close friends turned the gallery courtyard into a huge altar and memorial wall. This was in 2002. The celebration was expanded – and “born” – the following year and other artists and members of the community were invited to make their own altars and “ofrendas.” Wendy said as the celebration continued each year, she saw it as an opportunity to expand the gallery culturally, especially with the growing Hispanic community in Birmingham.

So that year – 2006 – was the year Wendy, Isabel Rubio – Executive Director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA), and I met to discuss how we would partner to bring more Latinos to the event. A women’s group from HICA took part in the celebration and built small altars at the event and brought family to celebrate a tradition they would have normally celebrated in Mexico. Since that time, HICA has always had a booth and altar display at DOD and become a true partner of the celebration.

That year, DOD also participated in Fiesta by having a booth in our non-profit village and showcasing some of the art and sugar skulls that would be on display at DOD. It was a great way for Bare Hands Gallery and DOD to get the word out – in English and Spanish – to Fiesta attendees, reaching a huge cross-section of the community.

Oh and one more thing…DOD is a photographers dream…you can’t take a bad photograph at this event. The colors, altars, costumes and entertainment are…do I dare say…to die for!

Here are a few of my own photos from the early days…

Day of the Dead displays behind the gallery. As the event grew this lot behind the gallery became a huge part of the celebration.

Tracy Martin’s tribute altar to her father, Spider Martin.

Thelma and Louise sugar skulls! This was part of a huge display of famous couples – one of my favorites!

One of the most poignant parts of Day of the Dead is the roll call…people can add the names of their loved ones to be read during the celebration.

Enjoying one of the festivals with Wendy Jarvis and my dear friend, Lui Fernandez.

Festival co-founder – Tracy Martin (right) – in one of her many beautiful sugar skull creation costumes.

Always love getting a hug from Festival Co-Founder, Wendy Jarvis at each years event.

Southern Señora

Sharing the Southern Hispanic lifestyle in Birmingham, Alabama!

Category Archives: Photography

A Little Turkish Culture

American Boricua at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

We Ate Some Turkey and then a Football Game Broke Out!

A Look Back at Birmingham’s Day of the Dead Festival

Preparing for Day of the Dead – 2015

Fiesta 2015…two thousand pictures later…

Fiesta 2015 Rain or Shine!

The Footprints We Leave Behind…Remembering My Cousin Chila

My Altars…

Preparing for Día de los Muertos

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: