The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

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For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
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If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Reinas de Carnaval - Queens of Carnival


There are queens and then there are queens.

While working on these photos I flashed back on the whole queen thing on St. Thomas in the USVI where it was HUGE.  Of course, Carnival there is almost a month long and one of the biggest events of the year.

And maybe there is some comparison to the reinas in the villages near Pinotepa Nacional.  I am still wondering why there were two queens in Pinotepa Don Luis, a "real" queen and an "indigenous" queen.  

I am sure there is some not-so-subtle shot at the Spanish, but both women were treated well, although the "real" one seemed to get preferential treatment.  
At least the "indigenous" queen rode in the shade and believe me, it was hot in the sun.  I love her beautiful basket with her name carved into the gourd.

They were both radiant, obviously happy with wonderful smiles for the crowds.

While in San Juan Colorado, I snuck up onto the reviewing stand where the queen and other notables were watching the dances.  Hey, it was in the shade and I have learned that a camera can get you almost anywhere.  If you want the shot, you have to do what you have to do to get it.  She was in her element.

Her gown from the back. Hey, it is Fashion Week somewhere. 

And she even got on a tee shirt.

The queen from Santa Maria Huazolotitlan.

And the gay queen from the Pinotepa Nacional parade.

However, the real queen was Soyla from Pinotepa Don Luis.  She sells textiles and art.... and lots of alcohol, which, I believe, is made from sugar cane and flavored with fruit.  It packed a real punch judging from the patrons in front of her place.  She is a real pistol, kinda like a high energy Miss Kitty with an edge.  She has a wonderful sense of humor and a rapier sharp wit.  And back in the day....

Long live the queen!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

beautiful... the people know how to live, Chris. And lucky you to get to witness, experience (and shoot). Keep it coming for those of us who live vicariously, a nice vacation for our minds ;-)

Judith Haden said...

I recognize one of the 'queens' from the Gay Vela en Juchitan....with the Roman nose. Lovely!