Dia de los Muertos celebrations begin as a family affair and ramps up to a frenzied gathering of the souls or gathering up the dead...the netherworld rises. The aroma of marigolds lead the deceased back to their families along with the burning copal - or tree resin that purifies the altars to cleanse and bless. Wind, Earth, Fire, all represented. These images are from Oaxaca, Etla, Mitla, San Antonio. In the graveyards the Mezcal flows, the candles smoke, the bands play and families honor their dead till dawn.