Ramón Llaven filmed a documentary titled “Dance of the Souls” which explores the muerteadas tradition in the Etla Valley. “My intention was to create a documentary about the muerteadas — a Oaxacan tradition in which we dance for over 12 hours, accompanied by a brass band and wearing costumes adorned with bells and mirrors,” Llaven said.
Nearly 15 years away from Oaxaca, Llaven returned to capture the local customs. The film recounts the untimely deaths of several young men from the town, including a friend of Llaven named Ricardo.
Llaven noted that the project “also allowed me to learn about the region’s funeral rituals and their connection to the natural world.” While the origins of the Oaxacan muerteada remain uncertain, some accounts trace the tradition to Cañada or Mixteca.
In some communities in the Etla Valley, Llaven said the muerteada is more significant than the new year and the patron saint’s feast day.
