Oaxaca, Mexico

In March of 2009 I had the privilege to attend Mary Ellen Mark Workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico. I've never been to Mexico before and I speak zero Spanish but I trusted my instinct, or it's actually more like what I don't know can't scare me :)
It turned out that the workshop was a learning experience I will not soon forget. Mary Ellen is a phenomenal teacher, she guides rather than tells the students of what to do. She's very sensitive in recognizing each student's strengths and weaknesses. "David, trust your instinct!" is what I hear from Mary Ellen when she senses my slight hesitation during picture taking. I will remember that always, so thank you, Mary Ellen.

On to the images from Oaxaca.

Soldiers preparing for Flag Day at the Zocalo (city square).


Oaxaca's all year round mild weather attracts the ever present high-schoolers to the Zocalo.




Fertility Festival: Young men cover themselves with black oil, and with cowbells around their waists they run around the village all day chasing away the evil spirit from bothering young women.




Older women stay at home preparing the food for the big fiesta. Every now and then the women watch the oily guys pass by their homes.


The peak of the Fertility Festival is the mock wedding, played by male actors.




Fertility Festival is a mix of Mexican tradition and Halloween :)


Those are oranges. And orange hurts if it landed on your head.


One of the bridesmaids from the mock wedding.


A young and very drunk parade walker.


Ash Wednesday celebration, San Andres Huayapam.










Animal market in Zachilla.






Back in Oaxaca City.




At another village, Abasolo, another Ash Wednesday celebration.




I befriended a professional clown, Artur, whose stage name is Bomboncitto. A very shy guy without the clown make up, but very charismatic in his clown persona.






Another Ash Wednesday celebration, this time in Zachilla.
Actors preparing for street parade.
















And of course... the Lucha Libre! Luchadors are my heroes.










I think I fell in love with Oaxaca and its people. I hope I can go back to Oaxaca again soon.

'till next time.
-David

And here's a subliminal message for my friends that can only be known by their initials: r.i.c.c.i.s and l.e.i.g.h
Just go. Seriously.