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.

Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
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

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Carnaval in San Martin Tilcajete

San Martin Tilcajete certainly was the place to be on Fat Tuesday for one of the best and biggest (and only?) celebrations in the surrounding area.  Carnaval here has become more and more popular and yesterday, the village was filled with more people than on any other day of the year.  Lila Downs, as well as some the folks who made "Coco," was there. 
San Martin Tilcajete is one of the most famous wood-carving villages and the masks are always spectacular.  This one is by good friend, Jesus Sosa Calvo and his wife Juana.  Yes, they painted the person as well.
The central part of the celebration features a "wedding", a procession through the streets of the village and a "ceremony" in front of the municipal building. Yes, the bride is a young man.
I'm not sure how the bride and groom are selected, but each is holding a photo, so maybe there are deeper meanings than just fun and irreverence.
In addition to the wedding party, there were roving bands of "diablitos" wearing bells and often covered with oil.
Here's another mask from Jesus and Juana.... simply wonderful.
Some absolutely amazing costumes.
And, of course, the Queen of Carnaval.
So many wonderful looks..... ¡Viva San Martin Tilcajete!
More in a bit.....

2 comments:

Bev in Ct said...

WOW this has become quite the event!!
Another note for my "bucket list"

Elaine Masters said...

Love this - the artistry & commitment. Wonderibg about those pictures too.