Celebrate Día de los Muertos and Mexican culture with illustrator Nahiely Velazquez in the newest installment of Shutterstock Presents: Artist Series.
Whether you call it Día de los Muertos, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, this Mexican celebration is a deeply-rooted cultural tradition that is remarkable to witness. Taking place in Mexico between October 31st and November 2nd, its traditional roots are founded in celebrations honoring deceased loved ones. In North American culture, we see motifs of sugar skulls, funereal decorations, and vibrant costumes prevailing during this time. At Shutterstock, we wanted to know more about what makes Dia de Los Muertos such an integral part of Mexican culture.
In our latest Artist Series, we introduce Morelia-based illustrator and graphic designer Nahiely Velazquez. The colorful holiday of Día de los Muertos has extensively influenced the art and work she creates, and you can see it through her portfolio. We spoke with Nahiely about the importance of celebrating the lives of those we love who have passed, the colors traditionally associated with this holiday, and what defines Mexican culture’s unique beauty.
What is Día de los Muertos?
The Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead (known locally as “Día de los Muertos”) begins on October 31st and ends on November 2nd, involving a multi-day celebration with the gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have died. The celebration helps and supports their spiritual journey to the other side. Instead of viewing it as a day of sadness, it’s a day of celebration because their loved ones are awake and celebrating with them.
Little Calaca by BonnieBC
The origins of Día de los Muertos
Stemming from ancient traditions among Mexico’s pre-Columbian cultures, Día de los Muertos traces its origins back 2,500-3,000 years to rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors observed by these civilizations. In modern times, perhaps one of the most iconic images associated with the holiday is the sugar skull.
In fact, our research shows that on Shutterstock, people look for illustrations of sugar skulls so they have a point of reference when recreating Day of the Dead makeup painting their faces. Because of the holiday’s mainstream appeal, we have created a new video as part of our “It’s Not Stock, It’s Shutterstock” campaign to showcase all of the images and footage we have in our library for Día de los Muertos. We also have clips available from the short YouTube video that clients can download and use.
Who is Coco, and how does this story relate to Día de los Muertos?
Also helping to popularize this Mexican holiday was the 2017 film Coco, which was inspired by the Day of the Dead. The story is centered around Miguel, a twelve year old boy who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead. There, he seeks the assistance of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living and to reverse his family’s ban on music.
Interview with Mexico-based Illustrator Nahiely Velazquez
We asked Shutterstock contributor and Mexico-based illustrator, Nahiely Velazquez, for her thoughts on Día de los Muertos and how it relates to her art. Here are a few words with Nahiely on this incredible Mexican celebration.
Nahiely Velazquez of Akbaly
Thanks for speaking with us, Nahiely. On your Artist Series, you talked a lot about how Día de los Muertos influenced you. Why is this holiday so influential to you?
Recently in Mexico, we’ve started to go back to our roots. I think for a while, we lost our love of this holiday due to heavy American and European influence. Now, we’re trying to be closer to our ancestors and their legacy in regards to Dia de Los Muertos. It’s really inspiring.
This resurgence of cultural appreciation makes me want to keep doing what I’m doing. That’s why I’m trying to help keep that influence by keeping Día de los Muertos present in my work. I see it every day, especially in the city I call home.
Día de los Muertos Illustration by Nahiely Velazquez of Akbaly
I couldn’t agree more. Do you wish there was something people knew about Día de los Muertos that they may not know?
Oh, absolutely. I’d love for people to know more about the true cultural significance of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Día de los Muertos is one of the most significant holidays in Mexico. It takes our people way back to our roots and our legacy, our Hispanic legacy.
I’d love for the world to know more about that because it’s one of the best holidays that shows the true spirit of our culture. For Dia de Los Muertos, we try to give a very different perspective on a delicate topic—the loss of a loved one.
Image by Oleg Elkov
Instead of being super deep and very sad, we make the event of loss into a big celebration and express joy on how they transcended. It’s a glimpse into our point of view and perspective on life and death. Mexicans love to be positive and make everything into a celebration.
I definitely can see that, especially represented in movies like Coco. Do you feel like the movie was an accurate representation of Día de los Muertos feelings and festivities?
I absolutely do. I can absolutely relate to the places they pictured and described in the movie, they are extremely accurate. The only thing I’d say is that the movie was inspired by the beautiful small towns of Mexico, but we’re not just little towns.
Behind the Scenes of the Artist Series with Nahiely Velazquez
I would have liked Coco to show more of the cities and not just the small towns. We’re more than just people with sombreros and mariachis. However, in terms of the holiday, it’s exactly how it’s supposed to be—it’s very accurate. The way Mexicans are pictured is very family-oriented. Our families and the love for our members of our family is very accurate in the movie.
I got that feeling when we were cooking with your mom for the Artist Series! One question I always had about Día de los Muertos is the significance of sugar skulls. What is the significance of sugar skulls in relation to Día de los Muertos?
Every sugar skull in the altar is supposed to represent the family members or loved ones that have passed away, so they have a very important meaning. The special thing is that they are so meaningful that you can only find them during the holiday in Mexico. Never in January, never in May… You won’t be able to find them. Sugar skulls are specifically made for Día de los Muertos.
Sugar Skull Illustration by Nahiely Velazquez of Akbaly
Are sugar skulls custom created?
Well in Mexico, sugar skulls are so popular that yes you can order them. However, you can also find them already made in stores and markets, and simply ask for the artist to put your loved one’s name on them.
As artists and makers, you can also take courses to learn how to make them. Most sugar skulls in Mexico are traditionally made, there’s no big brand creating them. They are handmade by local artists and very traditionally made.
Very cool. So as you know, we love your work. What is your favorite culturally Mexican illustrations to create?
The style of illustration that I like is definitely focused on the Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos. I know it sounds like a cliche, but it really is. Ever since I’ve had memories, it’s been my favorite holiday. It’s the whole experience of the holiday.
It also helps that I get a lift on my work in stock because of the Day of the Dead. So it’s my favorite in that way as well!
Day of the Dead Illustration by Nahiely Velazquez of Akbaly
Any last words?
I simply hope that by knowing more about this holiday, people will get inspired and want to come to my country. Mexico is so much more than just this holiday. I want people to know more about our other cultural traditions and holidays throughout the year. Because they are truly special to witness.
Featured Image by David Paniagua Guerra
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