Once a year the Yaqui Indians have a big celebration. For forty days and forty nights it goes on and on. The story of the Yaqui Easter reflects the union of Catholic and pagan beliefs that recreate the pageantry of the 40 days of lent. The celebration begins on Ash Wednesday with a small gathering. As the days go by, the ceremonies, which are deeply rooted in tradition, continue and the crowds slowly begin to grow leading into the holy week.

DeGrazia’s paintings colorfully depict many of these ceremonies, including the various activities of the Chapayekas, the entrance of the Deer Dancer, the crucifixion and finally the excitement of everyone following the resurrection. The children wind the Maypole to announce the good news. The event, shown in the painting above, has maintained a dream-like quality.

This collection was painted in the 1960's. Since one is not allowed to take photos of the celebration, DeGrazia would make sketches and then return home to paint them from sketches and memory. The collection is made up of 40 paintings which bring the Yaqui Easter to life.