Sunday, November 1, 2015

Dia de los Muertos and the Great Earthquake


Mexican celebration, Frida Kahlo exibition, Lisbon 2013

***
The Great Earthquake


Carmo Convent (built 1389)

260 years ago Lisbon was almost completely destroyed in one single day: 
November 1st, 1755. It was All Saints' Day (click here and here).

16 comments:

Rhodesia said...

So sad when history is destroyed so violently. Beautiful photos. Diane

Sharon said...

There is a Frida Kahlo exhibition coming to Phoenix this month too! That should be great.
And still earthquakes are taking a toll across this planet. It's a frightening thought because once one hits, there is really no way to escape it.

Lowell said...

What a fascinating post. And I've always been fascinated by the fascination with the dead. What an event way back in 1755 on All Saints Day. Love the photos, especially that 2nd one!

Sami said...

It's so strange that the big earthquake happened on All Saints Day!
I love the fact that the Convent was never rebuilt so we can see the damage done by the earthquake!

Sylvia K said...

A fascinating, but frightening post, Jose!! Thanks for the articles web address!

RedPat said...

I had no idea that such an event had occurred in Lisbon! That Smithsonian video really tells the story.

Bill said...

What an event! Spooky.

William Kendall said...

Quite an anniversary. The convent ruin really stands out to me.

Merisi said...

Hard to fathom how fast an entire city can be destroyed in such a disaster.
Love the Frida Kahlo display.

Jack said...

The display in the top image is wildly colorful. Love the display. Lisbon has recovered very well from the enormous earthquake.

Anonymous said...

What a contrast - but both still persevere! Lovely shots.

Photo Cache said...

What a sad reminder of this day. The good thing is that you have rebuilt and Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Halcyon said...

I had no idea All Saints Day held such bad memories for Portugal. I do love Day of the Dead celebrations.

alfonso said...


Estupendas fotos. La primera es soberbia.

saludos

· LMA · & · CR ·

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Wonderful perspective in second shot José, it would have been a horrific day, as Jack said, Lisbon has recovered beautifully but I too am glad there are some reminders of that fateful day!

Dina said...

What a coincidence (or "fate") that the earthquake came on All Saints.