On Saturday, December 7th, 2019, I found myself at the corner of Irving and Myrtle in Bushwick, drawn to a community event that was about to change my perspective on cultural identity, immigrant struggles, and tradition preservation. The diverse crowd, converging from different train lines, pointed towards an evident gathering spot - the spectacle of costumes and the vibrancy of tradition in the middle of an urban landscape. This was the meeting point for the Danza de Tecuanes, an integral part of Mexican folklore, which Hector Betanzo, a member of the group, had introduced to me through a YouTube video earlier in the week.

This theatrical dance, the name 'Tecuanes' derived from Nahuatl meaning 'the one that eats people', represented the iconic Jaguar of Mexican indigenous legends. The dance traditionally performed in various regions of Mexico, including Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Morelos, was being presented in the streets of New York. The event flyer Hector had sent was a colorful mosaic of music bands, dancing groups, and religious elements, reminiscent of posters for town's party back home.

On arriving at the gathering point, I navigated through a sea of people, looking for Hector among the masked Tecuans. Despite not being able to find him, I started recording, the lens of my camera revealing a multitude of people united by their shared tradition. The diversity within the crowd, including different ages, genders, and backgrounds, signaled a community gathering, a family celebration to which I felt incredibly fortunate to be part of.

The procession started from Myrtle and Irving Ave, winding through different streets, ending either at St Joseph Patron Church for a special mass or at the Scalabrini Center for immigrant families. The public procession, a temporary appropriation of the urban space, was a powerful symbol of cultural belonging and communal residency.

The vibrant spectacle, coupled with the fluidity of the procession, presented layers of cultural identity intertwined with immigrant struggle and cultural preservation. Despite recording for over two hours, capturing the richness of the colors, the intricate masks, and the emotive dance remained a challenge. The dance groups performed with a sense of pride, presenting their regional uniqueness while maintaining a sense of community. As the event’s videographer, I felt a part of the groups, capturing their emotions, and contributing to their narratives.

By the end of the event, the feeling of being an outsider had completely vanished. I felt welcomed by the groups and their families, who watched each performance with equal admiration and pride. My immersion into this celebration underscored the significance of cultural identity and preservation, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of traditions amidst the dynamic urban setting of New York City. The event served as a reminder of the richness of cultural diversity and the power of community engagement in fostering cultural resilience.

In January 2005, I visited Cuba, a trip that dramatically widened my perspective on political dynamics and socio-economic conditions. Already familiar with the nuances of inequality in Mexico, Cuba presented a new facet of resilience shaped by music, knowledge, and an innate prioritization of happiness amid adversity.

The palpable political injustice, marked by restrictions on freedom of speech and limitations on human rights, was an overwhelming reality. Yet, within this landscape, there existed a profound sense of beauty and vitality. The Cuban people, splendid in their demeanor, exhibited resilience and an inspiring sense of cultural pride despite these hardships. I endeavored to encapsulate this complexity through a photography essay, foregrounding not just the societal challenges, but also the indomitable strength and dignity of the Cuban people.

This journey underscored the multifaceted nature of poverty and the pivotal role of context in shaping social and economic realities. The resilient spirit I witnessed continues to inspire my work in policy making, serving as a vivid reminder of the boundless potential of the human spirit to thrive against all odds.