In mid September, Mexico will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its Independence against Spain and the 100th anniversary of its Revolution. I will be in Mexico City to partake in this historic event and as a photographer and journalist, I want to capture the essence of these festivities and give context to the culture of Mexico through a photo-journal of the week long celebrations.
My journey in Mexico City will include the "Grito" at the historic Zocalo, the parade around the newly renovated Angel of Independence in one of Mexico's most prestegious avenues, a day trip to the gondolas of the Xochimilco Gardens, an excursion to the Teotihucan Ruins known as "City of the Gods", visiting the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera museum and their "Casa Azul/Blue House" home and much more. Mexico City, also known as the ancient Aztec city Tenochtitlan, will also partake in Indegenous celebrations honoring the blessed Virgen de Guadalupe. The presence of indegenous populations amongst Mexican society is often unspoken, yet, the bicentennial may bring light to issues of poverty, socio-economic differences and the sweeping of many disenfranchised homeless people who have been moved outside the square for the purpose of celebrations. The bicentennial celebrations will be a historic event for Mexico, its people, many Mexican-American citizens in the U.S, and anyone who is a history aficionado.
I have been a broadcaster for five years, a photographer for 10 years and I have an innate sensibility in capturing "moments" that deal with culture, history, people and raw emotion. I have a Masters in Specialized Journalism with an emphasis in demography, politics and new media from USC, and like most journalists I know, a not so subtle taste for adventure and documentation. I love being in places where history happens and capturing the stories of people. I will have access to locations and people, as well as ability to speak the language of the country.
As a photo journal project, I would like to contribute photography with descriptions on a day by day basis of events that occured throughout the day, OR a complete photo journal to be produced at the end of the week. Work will include photography of festivities, elected officials (if available), location (Zocalo, Xochimilco, Taxco, Teotihucan, etc.), indigenous culture, ceremonies and points of interest.
