Quinceañera for Frida

 

Last weekend, my wife Amy and I had the honor of attending a quinceañera for Frida, the daughter and granddaughter of our friends and close neighbors here in San Pedro Ixtlahuaca. We were thrilled to be invited as the event photographers, capturing beautiful moments of this special day.

A quinceañera is a traditional Latin American celebration marking a girl's 15th birthday, symbolizing her transition from childhood to womanhood. The celebration was held in a grand event hall, in an adjacent municipality on the outskirts of Oaxaca. Upon arrival, we were touched to find that our friends had reserved a table of honor for us, seating us alongside them. This gesture made us feel incredibly welcome and deeply appreciated. 

The evening was a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, oratory, and heartfelt tributes to Frida. From the lively tunes played by the band to the choreographed dances by Frida and her court, every moment was filled with joy and celebration. One of the highlights was the "calenda," a traditional parade that entered the hall and added a unique and festive touch to the evening.

Especially, the dancing of Frida and her entourage of young friends was very touching. Such respect and camaraderie, gave a touching poignancy to the evening.  

As the night progressed,  we ate our fill and our hearts were brimming with the warmth and friendship of the community. We felt a profound sense of belonging, embraced by the kindness and generosity of our friends and neighbors. It was a night we will cherish forever, a testament to the strong bonds we’ve formed in our beloved village of San Pedro Ixtlahuaca.

Congratulations to Frida on her marvelous quinceañera . . . and to her wonderful family. 

Echoing Within

The sensory experiences of the Pacific Ocean have come with me 3000 miles (4800 km) from Puerto Lopez, Ecuador to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Though I live in a mountain city far from the sea, I can hear and feel the ocean echoing within. On the coast, the sights and sounds were just outside my door. It was hot, so barely anything buffered my skin from the outside influences. I frequently jumped into the surging waves. Eight days of beach life passed in steady cadence with surging waves pounding upon the shore.

Pacific Coast, Ecuador.

The six weeks in Mexico and Ecuador were all I could have hoped for. Yesterday, at my gallery a woman asked if I had been afraid in Mexico. "No," I replied, "I was afraid before I left!" I was told it would be dangerous, that violence was rampant. The warnings caused apprehension that sought to take hold and create an insurmountable barrier.

Cobbled street, San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

After arriving in Guanajuato City, Mexico, my fears were quickly dispelled. The alarming reports were slanted and not conveying everything true. Yes, I was a "Norte Americano" and a gringo who did not speak Spanish. Yet, I felt accepted and even honored. I made paintings and did street photography, took Spanish lessons and respected the different culture. I wandered about for many hours, walking great distances.

All the while I was in Mexico and Ecuador, so many things could have been bad but were not. The worst experience I had was my own fault.

There is much talk these days of building walls between peoples of neighboring countries. It may be a short term solution, but as the world advances to maturity, the walls will come down and bridges will be built instead.