Solemn, colorful, religious, moving, and festive all describe the Days of the Dead. It is a time in Mexico to honor deceased relatives friends or neighbors. Photographs by Robb Mitchell of this major event are currently on display at Omega Photo in Bellevue until Nov. 15.

Mexicans have combined Egyptian, Aztec and Roman Catholic festivals into this national celebration of those who have departed this life. For a brief time, they believe the deceased return to celebrate.

“I felt at times that I was intruding in a very special time,” Mitchell said. “But I was welcomed and invited to join in. Everyone was having such a wonderful time.”

Native dancers rehearse, the cemetery is prepared and vigil goes into the night. Everywhere there are candles, flowers and people watching and waiting throughout the night. From the quaint to the elaborate, graves are decorated with the deceased passion or likeness and their favorite food or drink.

Taking photos of daily life, photographing people in the act of being themselves, has been both Mitchell’s job and his passion. A national award-winning photojournalist and editor, he visited central Mexico, based in San Miguel de Allende, in 2008.

Mitchell, who lives in Sammamish, photographs almost daily the natural surroundings of the Northwest and in travels in the U.S. and abroad. His diverse collection of photos can be seen at www.robbmitchellphotos.com.

Omega Photo is located at 1100 Bellevue Way NE. The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 425-455-2126.