A first survey of my country of origin, these series of photographs constitute a modest attempt to showcase the cultural and artistic diversity of a country often misunderstood.
Mexico's long and intricate history is superbly demystified at the National Museum of Anthropology. Its vast collections take visitors from the oldest recorded human settlements to contemporary rural Mexico.
This iconic sculpted pillar carries a massive square concrete umbrella. It represents the worlds of the Indigenous Mexicans and Spanish colliding with each other to give birth to modern-day Mexico.
Mexico created a unique three-year program to train professional, multilingual tour guides. These guardians of Mexico's history are modern-day nomads: they give tours all around the country.
Also known as University City, is so large it has it's own transportation and taxis that take you where you need to go. It is one of the largest and most artistically detailed universities in Latin America attracting the best architects and even having it labeled as a UNESCO site. The Central Library contains a mural painted in each wall by Juan O'Gorman depicting a part of Mexico's culture.
North Wall: Pre-Hispanic Past (pictured here)
South Wall: Colony Past
East Wall: Contemporaneous World
West Wall: The University and Modern Mexico
Representations of Mexico's rich history are omnipresent on the campus. It was recognized by UNESCO for its murals painted by some of the most acclaimed Mexican artists, such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, and designed by some of Mexico's best-known architects of the 20th century.
Student life in UNAM is similar to most other universities; many aspirations juxtaposed with worries of the future, endless homework, and dozens of student organizations to join. Music is an integral part of Mexican life. It is seen everywhere in Mexico, from the street musician to a student band to a professional mariachi.
The city of Guanajuato is known for its university and vibrant cultural heritage. Everyday day, the Cervantinos — students who play traditional Spanish songs — walk the streets to promote their evening show.
When night falls, the act, composed of musicians, actors, and dancers gather around the main plazas. These energetic performances engage visitors coming from all corners of Latin America and the world.
The Cervantinos guide the visitors through the narrow and cobbled streets of Guanajuato, a UNESCO site. Several groups perform each time, walking the streets in different directions, and providing a continuous acoustic background that enlivens the city for hours.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexican army against the thus-far unbeatable legions of France's Napoléon III. The parade was a sumptuous demonstration of the artistic talents of Mexicans from all four corners of the country.
This beautifully-staged float shows the outnumbered and under-equipped Mexican army fightingthe French soldiers out of Puebla. The popular parade draws large crowds which are allowed to get close to the action.
The victory reinforced unity for Mexico and the resistance movement, as illustrated in this photo of a native proudly brandishing his sword at the end of the battle.
The ritual consists of climbing a 30-meter pole from which four of the five participants then launch themselves tied with ropes to descend to the ground while playing the flute and drum.
The ritual, which is mostly done by the Totonacs from the Veracruz region, was created to ask the gods to end a severe drought. The four voladores represent the four cardinal directions as well as the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. The four voladores seated on the cuadro face the caporal and fall backwards while in sync to descend to the ground suspended by ropes.
The hat is adorned with flowers for fertility, mirrors represent the sun and from the top stream multicolored ribbons representing the rainbow. As the ropes unwind, the voladores spin, creating a moving pyramid shape. As the other voladores descend the caporal, or chief, plays the “son of goodbye”.
Mexico saw the birth, rise, and fall of some of the world's greatest civilizations — like the Totonecs of El Tajín. This site is unique in that the descendants of the Totonecs still live around, in a village a few feet from the pyramids.
Three girls, wearing school uniforms, pass by the pyramids on their way home. The Totonecs move freely in and out of the archeological site — a sight unique to Mexico.
El Tajín existed for 600 years, leaving behind multiple layers of temples, palaces, and pyramids, many of which are now covered by vegetation. As if the city was still alive, the Totonecs care for the ancient cobbled streets and stone-built buildings.
Two fishermen walk miles everyday on the beaches of Veracruz as the sun goes down. Another custom that has been passed down through generations.
They don't use fancy equipment. They have fishing nets they can throw away from the beach as the tide rises and draws fishes close to the shore.
What they catch will end up on family dinner table or be sold at the local market. They will walk down the beach until it is too dark to safely
Central Mexico is sprinkled with colonial towns that have lived through the centuries. San Miguel de Allende is a jewel amongst them. A unique characteristic of the city are the hidden courtyards and parks that rival each other in beauty.
The architecture of San Miguel de Allende hasn't changed much in the last 400 years. The peaceful city mesmerizes passerby's from dawn to dusk, the sunset colors reflecting on the centuries-old cobbled streets.
Over time, the city expanded from the Zocalo — or main plaza — up surrounding hills providing a beautiful view of the magnificent cathedral and historic downtown.
