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Vehicular juxtaposition

April 4, 2024 by spixl

Sometimes the sights along the streets of Oaxaca make me chuckle.

And, I just have to stop and record the scene.

Posted in Creativity, Culture, Transportation, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Missing Viernes Santo

March 29, 2024 by spixl

Except for the patter of rain and the sound of the occasional car on wet pavement, all is gray and quiet on this Good Friday in my San Francisco Bay Area home. I miss the colorful and creative sights and sounds of Viernes Santo in Oaxaca. Thus, today finds me looking back to the Santo Viacrucis (Holy Way of the Cross) procession last year in Barrio de Jalatlaco on Viernes Santo.

8th Station of the Cross where Jesús meets the women of Jerusalem.
1st Station of the Cross where Jesús is condemned to death.

7th Station of the Cross where Jesús falls for the second time.
Jesús carrying the cross through the streets of the Jalatlaco neighborhood.
John the Baptist follows Jesús.
Mary Magdalene following Jesús.
María heading toward her final encuentro (meeting) with her son.
Jesús enroute to his final encuentro (meeting) with his mother.
María and Jesús in their final encuentro (meeting).

While I don’t subscribe to any religion, the people of Oaxaca, their devotion, and their creativity in celebrating their faith always moves me.

Posted in Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Holidays, Neighborhoods, Religion, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

To budding folk artists

March 19, 2024 by spixl

March 19 is Day of the Artisans in Mexico. And so I say, ¡Feliz Día de las Artesanas y los Artesanos! — especially to the budding artists who are appreciating and learning to carry on folk art traditions.

Young artisans at work carving radishes on the morning of the 2023 Noche de Rabanos.

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Women’s voices

March 8, 2024 by spixl

Celebrating March 8, International Women’s Day, with women speaking from the walls of Oaxaca.

I absolutely refuse to deny my voice. Let’s fight together [against voices saying] you are insufficient, they are exaggerated.
Faces we see, feelings we don’t know. We were born to be happy.
Not all mothers celebrate, some look for [their missing children].
… Not even the women …

From ARMARTE, a women’s collective dedicated to using the arts as a tool for social transformation.

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Art never dies

February 23, 2024 by spixl

Another mural in progress by Bouler in Barrio de Jalatlaco.

The paint, brushes, and song by Macedonio Alcalá (sung by Javier Solis) may proclaim…

God never dies…

But, I think art never dies.

Posted in Creativity, Culture, Music, Neighborhoods, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Hearts of Oaxaca

February 14, 2024 by spixl

On this gray Valentine’s Day in the “City By the Bay,” I left my heart in Oaxaca…

Artist: Noel Gómez Lorenzo
Artist: Noel Gómez Lorenzo
Artist: Noel Gómez Lorenzo – Homage to Paulina Solís Ocampo, creator and choreographer of the Flor de Piña dance.

¡Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad! Happy Day of Love and Friendship!

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Live green

February 9, 2024 by spixl

Greetings from cold, gray, windy, and rainy Northern California. I arrived a couple of weeks ago and am still in recovery from a three-day wedding in Teotitlán del Valle right before I departed for winter in the San Francisco Bay Area. Family, friends, frozen fingers, and a severe case of sticker shock have also contributed to no new blog posts for sixteen days. And, please consider this advance warning: I’m going to be in el norte for several months. However, I have many ideas and photos for future Oaxaca focused blog posts — they just may be few and far between. I begin with remembering last February’s return visit to Vives Verde, the labor of love garden created by architect Francisco Martínez.

Over fourteen years ago, architect Francisco Martínez began a project of landscaping a former garbage dump into a healing, artistic, and environmental garden — a marriage of plants, recycling, whimsical art, and education.

A water catchment system utilizing paths, beds, and ponds irrigate this garden of more than 200 species and 2000 plants — mostly from Oaxaca.

Francisco and his garden are dedicated to raising awareness of preservation and conservation of the sustainable environment. In his effort to fulfill the garden’s mission, he hosts free guided tours — ranging from the architecture faculty of the Universidad Regional del Sureste to students from the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz primary school.

Vives Verde is located at Calle Tula 627, Colonia las Culturas, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca.

Posted in Creativity, Culture, Flora, Gardens, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Words of wisdom

January 24, 2024 by spixl

Words of wisdom from the hands that see.

Magic happens when you love what you do.
To live is to be brave.
Effort! Perseverance!

Seen in the garden of Don José García Antonio (aka, the blind potter) at his workshop, Taller Manos Que Ven, in San Antonino Castillo Velasco.

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Up against a wall in Oaxaca

January 14, 2024 by spixl

Sometimes artistry is found in everyday street scenes.

It’s all here… light, shadows, color, and creativity. What’s not to love?

Posted in Creativity, Culture, Transportation, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Neighborhood of kings, cakes, kids…

January 6, 2024 by spixl

Speakers blared through the streets of Barrio de Jalatlaco yesterday morning announcing a celebration of Día de Reyes Magos in the church atrium at 5 PM. There were photo-ops galore as neighbors gathered; Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar posed; boxes of Roscas de Reyes (Three Kings cake) were delivered; politicians spoke; cake was eaten; and toys were distributed.

Tradition dictates the person(s) finding a baby Jesus figurine hidden in their slice of cake must host a tamalada (tamales party) on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas). As always seems to happen, I was a “lucky” recipient of the plastic Jesus. Alas, I will be in California. Hmmm… maybe a shopping trip to Cardenas Markets is on the agenda.

Posted in Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Holidays, Neighborhoods | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Looking back on 2023

December 31, 2023 by spixl

Jean-Baptiste Racine’s quote, “Life is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel” comes to mind when I reflect on 2023. Looking at the state of the world, I think many of us have spent the year vacillating between laughing and crying. However, on this New Year’s Eve, I prefer to remember the celebrations and places I experienced with family and friends, old and new. These are the times that nourish my soul and empower me to welcome 2024.

January 2023 – Mill Valley, CA. “Fork in the road.” I took the high road.
February 2023 – Oaxaca de Juárez. Archivo Histórico del Estado de Oaxaca.
March 2023 – San Agustín Etla, Oaxaca. “Seamus Heaney & Jan Hendrix en Yagul” exhibition at Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (CASA).
April 2023 – Oaxaca de Juárez. View from El Mirador Restaurante.
May 2023 – Oaxaca de Juárez. Cross on construction site in honor of Día de la Santa Cruz.
June 2023 – San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca. Don José Garcia Antonío (aka, the blind potter).
July 2023 – Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca. Convite welcoming people to the festival honoring La Preciosa Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
August 2023 – La Mesa, CA. Sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
September 2023 – Oaxaca de Juárez. Escaramuzas riding in the Mexican Independence Day parade.
October 2023 – Oaxaca de Juárez. “Nelson” one of the Oaxaca Guerreros baseball team’s mascots.
November 2023 – Villa de Mitla, Oaxaca. Interior wall and ceiling in the “Church Group” at the Mitla archeological site.
December 2023 – Unión Zapata, Oaxaca. Feria de la Agrobiodiversidad en Oaxaca.

Many thanks to all the wonderful readers of my blog; I am constantly amazed and gratified you choose to stop by. On this New Year’s Eve, with a renewed appreciation for the small things that bring joy and give life meaning, I wish you all, ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Posted in Agriculture, Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Exhibitions, Food, Holidays, Museums, Sports, Textiles, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments »

Radishes and the artists who love them

December 23, 2023 by spixl

If it’s December 23, it must be the “only in Oaxaca” Noche de Rábanos. I love going in the morning to watch these skilled artists and their imaginations at work creating exquisite sculptures out of radishes — of all things!

And, there weren’t just radishes. Creations of totomoxle (dried corn husks) and flor inmortal (dried flowers) were also on display. Stay tuned…

Posted in Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Exhibitions, Holidays, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Teotitlán honors Guadalupe

December 15, 2023 by spixl

All over Mexico on December 12th the country pauses to honor and celebrate the Virgin de Guadalupe, also known as the Queen of Mexico, Empress of America, and patron saint of Mexico. And, there is no place I would rather be on this day than in Teotitlán del Valle watching the Danza de la Pluma. The dance is a ritual reenactment of the battles between the Aztec and the Spanish conquistadors. In this Zapotec village, the dancers make a 3-year religious commitment to perform it at the four major religious festivals each year, including Guadalupe.

Members of the Danza de la Pluma Promesa 2022-2024 entering the atrium of Templo de la Preciosa Sangre de Cristo.
Malinche, Moctezuma, Doña Marina, and danzantes.
Dancing under the watchful gaze of the sacred mountain, Cerro Picacho, Quie Guia Betz in Zapotec.
Danzantes “leaning in” during one of the 40+ dances of the Danza de la Pluma.
Moctezuma preparing to leap during one of the dances.
Members of the Danza de la Pluma Promesa 2022-2024 and their band.

A profound muchisimas gracias to the people of Teotitlán del Valle for always being so warm and welcoming.

Posted in Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Religion, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

The Marias of December

December 7, 2023 by spixl

Hanukkah is upon us and Christmas is only weeks away. However, here in Oaxaca, it’s three images of the Virgin Mary who take center stage this month.

December 8 – Día de la Virgen de Juquila
December 12 – Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe
December 18 – Día de la Virgen de la Soledad

And, if you are in Oaxaca, please know the cohetes (rockets) will be exploding from early morning to late at night.

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Walking with Amal in Oaxaca

November 29, 2023 by spixl

Walking with Little Amal, known here as La Pequeña Amal, was a remarkable, moving, and hopeful experience. This 3.5 meter tall marionette, representing a 10-year old Syrian refugee girl searching for her mother, has traveled the world in her search — bringing a message of peace, respect, solidarity, and protection for all refugees.

At last Thursday’s calenda (parade), smiling school groups, some wearing traditional dress from the various regions of Oaxaca, held handmade signs proclaiming “Yes to peace no to war,” “Peace is achieved with love and understanding,” and for a “Life without borders.” Giant marmotas whirled, flashing messages of “Welcome” and “Amal, you are not alone” while a band played and China Oaxaqueña dancers danced their way down Oaxaca’s walking street. All the while, an amazingly lifelike Amal waved, shook hands, radiated with gratitude, and carried herself with dignity as she made her way from Santo Domingo to the Cathedral. I wasn’t the only one with tears in my eyes.

While in Oaxaca, Amal also visited Monte Albán to take in the spectacular archaeological zone, Santa María del Tule to try to hug the largest (in circumference) tree in the world, and 20 de noviembre market to receive a huge loaf of bread — a symbol of alleviating world hunger. Her last stop in Oaxaca was at Parque Morelos to bring her message of hope and support to the migrant families passing through Mexico on their way from Venezuela, Haiti, El Salvador and Nicaragua bound for the USA. It is in this park, a tireless group of volunteers from the non profit, Centro de Apoyo para Migrantes Universales Collin A.C., feed the unrelenting stream of refugees seven days a week. They also accept donations of clothing, blankets, backpacks, toiletries, and money. Click on their website for how and where to donate and/or to volunteer.

Posted in Children, Creativity, Culture, Immigration, Travel & Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

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