San José, ago. 2023 – Mary J. Andrade, author and photographer, has been awarded an Honorable Mention award for her bilingual Book “Ireri, Vigil of the Little Angels/Velación de los Angelitos Janitzio, Michoacán”. This book narrates children’s rituals during the celebration of Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Author and photographer Mary J. Andrade is receiving the award under the category: The Alma Flor Ada Best Latino Book Focused Children’s Award. In its 25th year of foundation, The International Latino Book Awards celebrates Achievements in Latino Literature.
In 1987, Mary J. Andrade began her investigation in the celebration of the pre-Hispanic tradition of Day of the Dead, and returns annually to different locations in Mexico. Her books are filled with rich and colorful photographs, capturing the essence and meaning of this one of a kind celebration.
“Countless voices and memories are the main characters of this story. On November 1st, at dawn, children will live the ritual of love of the Vigil of the Little Angels, walking together with their parents to the cemetery to honor the memory of their little siblings”. “Ireri, Vigil of the Little Angels/Velación de los Angelitos Janitzio, Michoacán” was published by Salto al Reverso an editorial house in Mexico City.
Written in the foreword by Veronica Meza, Director and Founder of Teatro Nahual in Northern California, “The story of Ireri, through the narration of Mary J. Andrade, teaches us how to see the tradition of Day of the Dead through the innocence of Soledad and Juanito.”
Mary J. Andrade chronicles the celebrations in a series entitled Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico which has been awarded by International Latino Book Awards under different categories. Her books are also published in electronic format, and distributed by Amazon, several electronic sites in the United States, Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia.
For additional information about her books, e-Books series, videos and photographs visit: www.dayofthedead.com and www.diademuertos.com
