Denise Rosen

Perched high above Oaxaca City, Monte Albán feels like stepping onto the rooftop of ancient Mesoamerica. One of the oldest urban centers in the Americas, this Zapotec capital offers sweeping valley views, massive plazas, and mysterious carved stones that hint at a civilization far ahead of its time.

Wandering its terraces and temples, you can almost feel the pulse of a city that once ruled these mountains for more than a thousand years. It’s serene, powerful, and absolutely unmissable when exploring Oaxaca. 💚🤍❤️

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A crush of party goers in over the top costumes — it’s as WILD as it sounds!

In the village of Etla, the muerteada tradition is very much alive and it is a FULL-ON experience! It’s one of the big three Día de los Mu***os celebrations around Oaxaca, along with the comparsas and the vibrant cemetery nights.

Musicians from surrounding villages gather for what’s essentially a friendly battle of the bands, each trying to outplay (and out-volume!) the others.
If big crowds and full-blast brass aren’t your thing, consider yourself warned — it’s lively, loud, and full of energy, with the occasional festive firework overhead. 🥁🎺💥

Costumes here take a darker, more theatrical turn. The tradition includes humorous, symbolic portrayals of moments after a death — with characters like the deceased, the widow, the doctor, the priest, a spirit guide, and even Death itself. Locals joked with us not to overindulge because they’d “see us at Mass the next day.” 😄

Like most events during Day of the Dead, this is high season — expect traffic and go prepared! It’s an unforgettable experience!
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In Oaxaca, the cemeteries come alive for Día de los Mu***os — mezcal flows, mariachi music drifts through the night, and tombs glow beneath a sea of candles. ✨💀
Each resting place — from Xoxocotlán to Panteón General and Atzompa — reveals its own spirit and beauty, transforming remembrance into radiant celebration. 🌼🎶
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✨ The comparsas in Oaxaca bring Día de los Mu***os to life — streets filled with music, dancing skeletons, and vibrant costumes celebrating life and memory. 💀🌼 A beautiful reminder that in Oaxaca, death isn’t an end — it’s a joyful reunion. 🎶🕯️ ***os

Fall is in the air, and at last I am mobile enough to get out and appreciate it more than ever! 🤎💛🧡
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Here is a quick video montage from our trip to the south of France that included Nice, Cannes, and Provence 🇫🇷
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Here is a video I made from some of my favorite pics from our epic photo trip of Saudi Arabia.📸

As if the innovative, world-class luxury hotels weren’t enough, the gorgeous scenery, the rich history, and the incredible warmth of the people we met made these travel memories among my most cherished, ever!

Enjoy!💚💚💚

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